Parents in the Northeast Atlanta metro area want to make the holidays magical for their children. But if you divorced in 2021 and this is your first holiday season sharing custody of your child with your ex, you may wonder how you can ensure the holidays are festive and full of cheer for your child. The following are some steps you can take to make the holidays special both for your child and you.
Review your child custody holiday schedule
It is likely that your child custody order lays out who has the child in their care and when during the holidays. For example, you may have the child on Christmas Eve and your ex may have the child on Christmas Day. Whatever the situation may be, review it well ahead of time. Not only does this mean there will be no surprises, but it also gives you a chance to modify the schedule if necessary. Modifications made well ahead of time may be more effective than trying to scramble to modify something at the last minute. Note that a modification will only be allowed if there is a “change in circumstances” and the modification would be in the best interests of the child.
Ensure you respect your ex’s time with your children
You may not be feeling so friendly with your ex following a divorce, but it is important that both of you respect the other’s right to spend time with the child per your child custody order. This means arriving at pick-ups and drop-offs on time. It means not bad-mouthing your ex in front of your child. You and your ex may be on good enough terms that you can attend events together such as a holiday school concert. You can help your child purchase a gift for them to give to their other parent. And, when your child is in your care you can still give them time to have a phone call or video conference with your ex. Any of these steps can help your child feel loved by both you and your ex during the holidays.
Keep the best interests of the child in mind
Any child custody order in Georgia will be based on the best interests of the child. This standard applies at all times of the year but may be especially important to keep in mind during the holidays. Your first holiday season following divorce will certainly be different but with some pre-planning and cooperation it can be a happy one.
