The fourth Sunday in July is Parents’ Day, recognizing the role of parents in rearing a child. This is a special day to celebrate being a parent, but how can both parents feel appreciated when you are divorced?
Being divorced can bring about a lot of changes, but the one thing it doesn’t change is the fact that you are a parent. It may, however, change how you celebrate holidays and special days.
While both parents likely want to feel significant in a child’s life, it can sometimes be hard to share that significance with each other, especially when it comes to parenting time on holidays.
The best thing you can do is remember to focus on your child’s best interests. Doing this can usually lead to the best solution. There are also some excellent tips below that you can follow to make celebrating Parents’ Day (and other holidays) as smooth as possible.
Consider Sharing Time on Parents’ Day
Unlike Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Parents’ Day is a celebration of both parents. If you and your child’s other parent live close enough, consider sharing the day so that your child can spend time with each parent. Perhaps your child can have breakfast and an early lunch with one parent and spend the afternoon and dinner with the other.
While you might think of this as a hassle, your child and other parent will likely be extremely happy to have the chance to spend a special day together.
If distance makes it hard to split parenting on this day, at least try to help your child connect with their other parent. Try to arrange a video chat or phone call so that your child can see their other parent and spend some time with them.
A good tip is to plan special holidays/days ahead of time with your co-parent. This way each parent knows what to expect for the holidays and any disagreements can be worked out early on.
Help Your Child Show Their Appreciation
When you have time with your child, talk to them about Parents’ Day and why it’s celebrated. It’s important for them to see that you as well have an appreciation for their other parent. Despite your feelings for them, your child should never feel stuck in the middle of you and your co-parent’s issues. Having a healthy respect and promoting positive feelings towards them, in turn, fosters your child to do the same.
Encourage your child to make a small card or homemade gift for their other parent and help them if they want it. If they’d like to buy them a gift and have their own money to do so, take them to the store so they can purchase it.
Make Parents’ Day Special for Everyone
However the day pans out, make sure that it is special for everyone involved. Don’t let ill-will with your co-parent spoil the day for either of you, or worse, your child. Your child should never have to feel guilty for wanting to spend time with their mom or dad. And harboring negative feelings during the day will only take away your own ability to enjoy time with your kid.
If you happen to be a parent who won’t be able to spend the day with your child, do something special for yourself. Spend time partaking in your favorite hobby or visit friends or family. Whether you are with your child or not does not change the fact that you can be a proud parent on Parents’ Day.
Remembering to follow some common etiquette with your co-parent can be especially difficult on holidays. Try to keep your child’s happiness at the forefront of your mind to guide you in what’s right and you shouldn’t be steered in the wrong direction.
If you have questions regarding parenting time, contact the Law Office of David A. King, P.C. at (630) 504-7210 to schedule a consultation. We have expert experience in family law matters and can help you find solutions that are best suited for your needs.
