The holidays are an emotional time for families all over the world. This is especially true for divorced families, or those who are co-parenting, as emotions tend to be magnified. Facing the upcoming holidays as a co-parenting family may seem overwhelming, but it is possible to have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. In this article, we discuss helpful tips for successful co-parenting during the holiday season.


1. Share Resources for Legal Support and Representation

Beyond the wishes of the co-parents, there may be legal agreements in place that dictate how holidays will be shared. For instance, many Miami family law lawyers recommend sticking to the parenting plan, if one is in place. Although it might be difficult, sticking to legal agreements and documents - such as co-parenting agreements - is an effective way to ensure the holiday season runs as smoothly as possible. If the details are unclear, or there is disagreement around the plan, consulting with an experienced family law lawyer is a wise choice to ensure things are done according to the best interests of the children.


2. Communicate with Compassion

Communication is key to any successful relationship. During the holidays, it is important to encourage an ongoing dialogue between the co-parents. This includes written, verbal, and even physical cues when appropriate. Try to always communicate with compassion when communicating any particular thoughts or feelings. This type of understanding will keep communication more open and positive for the children.


3. Celebrate the Holidays Logistically

When arranging for holiday celebrations, exceed practical expectations. Consider any logistic issues that might arise, such as transportation problems that could curtail time with the other parent. For example, if one parent lives far away, perhaps a way could be found to maximize time together. This might include a special telephone conversation before or during the holiday, or taking a flight after the actual holiday to maximize time together.


4. Promote Cooperation and Collaboration

Encourage cooperation and collaboration between the co-parents throughout the holiday season. Keep communication open and allow for compromise, as it is likely that the co-parents have different traditions that they may wish to observe with the children. If the co-parents use a co-parenting app, such as OurFamilyWizard, this can be a great tool for incredible collaboration on holiday topics, such as gifts, activities, and meals.


5. Stay Positive

While it can be challenging to maintain a positive attitude, especially in the midst of heightened energy during the holidays, it is essential to focus on the emotional and social needs of the children. Instead of focusing on what might be lacking, celebrate everything that can still be enjoyed - even if it requires re-working or re-thinking the holiday tradition.


The holidays are a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. For families who are co-parenting, there is no reason why the season should not be as enjoyable as possible. The tips outlined above provide an excellent starting point for a peaceful yet meaningful holiday season. Finding a family law lawyer in the Miami area to provide additional legal support will also help solidify the process.



If you have concerns about your parenting plan, the experienced Miami family law attorneys at Rafool, PLLC, can help. Call us at (305) 567-9400 or contact our Miami office online to schedule a consultation.