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Children are used to exclaiming “trick or treat” to neighbors as they go around asking for candy on Halloween. While parents hope their kids are more interested in the treats than tricks, the holiday can be a nightmare for adults who share child custody and one parent seems more interested in “tricks.”
Why Is This an Issue?
For many former couples, Halloween can signal the start of problems that last through subsequent holidays. This is especially true if where the children are supposed to be during particular holidays is not specified in the custody agreement. One parent may believe they should be entitled to an alternate holiday if they do not have their children for a different holiday. Tension in this situation can spill over to subsequent holidays and beyond through revenge parenting.
Revenge Parenting
If one parent is upset about the other parent having the children on Halloween, they may partake in revenge parenting. This terminology describes parents acting in particular ways to torment their ex. One example of this is the parent preventing the children from spending a specific holiday with a parent. The more treasured a holiday custom is, the more susceptible it could be to revenge parenting.
What Parents Can Do
As with any issue co-parents may face, communication is key to a successful child custody arrangement. Good communication can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a way to resolve disagreements.
There are a few actions parents can take to improve communication with their ex:
- Communicate Regularly—Co-parents should often talk, even if it’s for a few minutes. This will help keep lines of communication open and make it easier to discuss important issues.
- Be Clear and Concise—When communicating, each adult should be clear about what they want to say. This will help avoid miscommunication and confusion.
- Be Respectful—Each adult needs to be respectful, even if they don’t always agree. This will help create a more positive and productive communication environment.
Have Questions About Child Custody During Holidays or Communicating With an Ex?
Communication is an important part of any relationship, but it’s especially crucial for co-parents. By taking the time to communicate effectively, they can create a strong foundation for a healthy and successful co-parenting relationship.
If you find yourself having difficulty communicating with your ex, whether that be about child custody during holidays or any additional issue, the attorneys at Coker, Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers are here for you. Our dedicated Texas child custody lawyers will give you the individualized attention your case deserves.
Our team is ready to work with you—contact us online or by phone today. (940) 293-2313