It is often difficult to decide how to divide holiday and vacation time between divorced parents. Both parents and children want to spend time together during special times of year, so it is essential that parents agree on an arrangement that is fair to everyone. During the Christmas season, for example, some parents agree to alternate Christmas day and Christmas Eve each year so that each parent can participate in gift giving, tree decorating and a holiday meal with their children. Following a divorce, families of all backgrounds celebrating a variety of holidays throughout the year can share in the memories by thoughtfully alternating or splitting events for the benefit of all, especially the kids.
When trying to decide how long summer breaks will be handled, it is important to consider a child’s age and whether regular contact with the both parents is a better fit than weeks away from one parent’s home. This is especially true if one parent resides out of state or lives at a considerable distance because younger kids often feel more comfortable closer to their home base where they go to school and have friends, whereas older teens may feel more confident in new surroundings.
When You Have Questions About Your Parenting Time
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It is important to be sensitive to a child’s emotional and developmental needs and not push them beyond their capabilities when deciding how to handle parenting time during holidays and breaks. After all, it is not so much about the actual number of hours, but the quality of the time spent together with the children. If you have questions regarding parenting time arrangements in a divorce, contact the Libertyville family law offices of Ronald L. Bell & Associates PC for assistance today.