Tips for a Happy and Successful Halloween When You Co-Parent

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

If you are a divorced parent, you probably know how difficult celebrations and get-togethers can be, especially when they involve family or your children. Halloween is a very child-oriented holiday and can be stressful for some parents if they do not know how to handle it. With trick-or-treating, Halloween parties and choosing a costume, there are many things that you must discuss with your ex-spouse, whether you like it or not. Like many things in life, communication is key when having a happy Halloween. Here are four tips to help your child have a good spooky season.

Communicate, Plan and Prepare

It has already been said, but it needs to be said again - communication is key. You should probably have had these discussions a few weeks ago, but if you have not, you need to have them as soon as possible. Talk with your ex and figure out a game plan as far as school Halloween events, such as parties or parades. You should also discuss how you both will spend Halloween with your child and who will be doing what.

Share the Night With Your Ex

If you and your ex can manage it, you should share the night with your child. That can mean that you both take your child trick-or-treating at the same time, or that can mean that one of you takes your child trick-or-treating first and then the other one takes your child trick-or-treating after. Double the trick-or-treating means double the candy - and your child probably will not complain.

Talk About Your Child’s Costume

Costumes have become less scary over the years and more provacative. You and your ex should discuss your child’s costume before either of you agree to allow your child to wear it, especially if you have teenage children. It is only respectful that you allow your ex to partake in the decision of what costume your child wears.

Focus on Your Child

Above all, you should recognize that Halloween is a time for both you and your spouse to have fun with your child. You should put aside any hard feelings or differences that you and your ex may have and focus on your child. Your child will thank you for it someday.

Create a Solid Parenting Plan with Help From an Aurora, IL Divorce Attorney

Halloween is just the beginning of a multi-month stretch of planning and communicating about various holidays and their respective events, parties and festivities. A comprehensive parenting plan created by a DuPage County divorce lawyer can help take some of the guesswork out of where your child will be during each of those holidays and how you will get to spend it with them. Contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. to begin discussing your specific needs in a parenting plan. Call the office at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/halloween-trick-or-treat_b_6028064

https://safer-america.com/trick-treaty-compromise-key-co-parenting-halloween/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/halloween-new-rules-in-co_b_1023011