Parenting Arrangements over Christmas

For those who are experiencing their first festive season as a single parent or those who are “seasoned” hands, here are tips/reminders to avoid conflict to ensure that the children don’t have to endure battling parents:

• “The Golden Key” – Communication. Don’t expect the other parent to understand what you want without explaining it to them. Be concise, clear and courteous in your communications.

• “Give & Take” – Compromise. It can’t always be about what YOU want.

• “Love, not war” – Don’t fight or argue in front of the children. Remind yourself that these are adult issues – the children are innocent in this scenario.

• “The Silver Lining” – If circumstances are such that you don’t get to spend Christmas Day with your children, perhaps think of it this way – you get to give them the opportunity of having a second Christmas Day while they are in your care.

• “The Bronze Star Medal” – Be civil. Sometimes there is merit in being the bigger person.

• “As the Scouts Say…” – Be prepared. If you plan on travelling with the children over the Christmas period, make sure that you have communicated with the other parent about this as early in the year as possible. If you have a Parenting Order, ensure that those arrangements abide by the terms of that Order.

If you haven’t done so, we strongly recommend that you formalise your parenting arrangements to reduce conflict in future. Contact us to talk about your options.