Tips for planning a happy festive season for separated parents

If you're a separated parent and you've been putting off the conversation about Christmas plans with your ex-partner, then now is the time to start that conversation! 

Here's our 6 tips for planning a happy festive season for all the family: 

  1. Communicate with the other parent – communication is key to ensuring that where possible, plans are confirmed in advance to avoid disappointment and confusion.

  2. Changeovers - set out dates and times for changeovers clearly. Try and confirm this well in advance.

  3. Share vacation plans with the other parent as soon as possible – the earlier parents have these discussions, the less likely for confusion or upset.

  4. Support your children’s time with the other parent – encouraging and fostering a positive attitude about your children spending time with the other parent is very important.

  5. Help children maintain consistent contact with the other parent via telephone and Facetime (where possible) during long periods apart.

  6. Always put the children’s interests first.

Author: Lauren Copeland, Director