Getty Ready for the Holidays when your Kids have Two Parent Household

December is a busy month and we often can not keep up let alone plan with accuracy all going on this month. When you have shared custody some simple tips to get through the month with less stress for you, your co-parent and your kids:

1.) Go over the calendar for the month with your co-parent

2.) Create a calendar with all the accurate update information in both homes

3.) Consult your co-parent on gift giving so gifts are duplicated by you or other family members. Consider giving the children gifts that come from both parents so they feel the family system is functioning at a high level.

4.) If one parent is traveling make sure the other parent has all the necessary information and things needed for the children. Remember your child’s comfort is important.

5.) Inform the children in greater detail what is on the calendar

6.) When possible celebrate the holidays with both parents together. If not possible, make sure you have plan in place so the children don’t feel pulled or stressed.

Remember the holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, celebration, gratitude, reflection, focus for the new year. By being organized you can keep your stress low which will trickle to the mood of your child.

Wishing everyone a meaningful mindful holiday season and a happy healthy 2024!