Dec 31 2024 26 mins 1
‘Tis the Season... for Co-Parenting Conflict!
No parent wants to deal with emergency motion handling orders or duty judges on the holidays, but it happens. Stress can be high and the holidays – any holiday – can become a ripe place to pick a fight. So how do you avoid conflict to make the holidays still a special time for the kids?
The key is to do everything you can to avoid problems. Often, that means getting your ego out of the way so that you and your ex can make it about the kids. Avoid exchanges on travel days. Try to not split actual holidays, but if you have to, think about the activities of the day and plan accordingly. (In other words, if you’re splitting Christmas, do it in the afternoon so they can enjoy Christmas morning.) And do what you can to avoid escalation – perhaps you need to stay away from the eggnog until after you’ve dropped the kids off.
What about gifts? The kids were used to getting gifts from both parents. You don’t have to stop co-gifting just because you’re divorced. It may be what your child needs to feel safe around the holiday.
Seth and Pete offer lots of great advice. Tune in, and have yourself a happy and safe holiday season.
Links & Notes
- Schedule a consult with Seth
- Got a question you want to ask on the show? Click here!
- (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster
- (02:34) - Co-Parenting During the Holidays
- (02:51) - Holiday Emergencies
- (04:44) - Don't Exchange on Travel Days
- (08:19) - Splitting Holidays
- (10:45) - Points of Escalation
- (12:39) - Gifts
- (16:01) - Other Holidays
- (22:41) - Avoid Conflict for the Kids
- (24:06) - Lower Expectations
- (24:34) - Enjoy the Holidays
Stay safe and sober this holiday season with Soberlink. Co-parenting can be challenging, especially when alcohol abuse is a concern. Give yourself and your family the gift of peace of mind during the holidays by using Soberlink's remote alcohol monitoring system. Improve trust, accountability, and communication in your co-parenting arrangement. Visit their site today to learn more and get $50 off. Happy Holidays from Soberlink!
