Trick-or-Treating Tips for Divorced Parents

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The spookiest time of year is here and your children are likely excited about chewing on some tasty, sugary treats after a night of roaming the neighborhood wearing masks, witch hats, or their favorite superhero costume. As magical as this night is, you might find yourself starring in your very own horror movie if you and your spouse recently divorced and are attempting to navigate the new dynamics of your current situation. It is crucial to keep the spirit of Halloween alive for your children, so you will both need to keep your claws retracted to avoid triggering their anxieties.

Avoid Real-Life Scares this Year

Scary movies are fantastic during this time of year, but the last thing anyone wants is to encounter a real-life scare. Unfortunately, if you and your co-parent cannot set your anger or hurt feelings aside, you might end up in a hair-raising situation. Although a ruined Halloween might not sound like the end of the world to you, it will certainly be disappointing for your children, so you should both do your best to circumvent a disaster.

If your wounds are still fresh, this might sound far easier said than done. However, putting your children’s needs first is a key element in parenting. Chances are, your co-parent is experiencing similar difficulties as well.

Here are some tips the two of you can review to celebrate Halloween with the kids:

• Take the kids out trick-or-treating together: If your relationship is not too hostile, consider taking the children out together. Trick-or-treating is not a long event, so if you can keep your focus on the kids for a couple of hours, you can both share this activity with them. Instead of bickering, keep your eyes on them and make sure they stay safe.

• Plan two trick-or-treating routes: If you cannot bear spending an evening with your former spouse, consider planning out two separate trick-or-treating routes. You can take the kids out in your neighborhood and then you can drop them off with your co-parent for more trick-or-treating fun. Splitting the day up like this will allow both of you to trick-or-treat with the kids while staying out of each other’s hair.

• Make other plans: If your co-parent does not want to share this night with you and has the children on Halloween, you can make other plans. There are many month-long Halloween events for you to take your children to. For example, you can take them to an age-appropriate haunted house, a corn maze, or out to a pumpkin patch. Nothing can stop you from creating your own traditions.

• Do something for yourself: If you do not have the kids for Halloween and feel lonely, do not get too down on yourself. Instead, take this as an opportunity to celebrate the holiday as an adult. Kids are not the only ones who enjoy dressing up in costumes. Put on some devil horns, grab a pitchfork, and celebrate the night with friends.

Discuss the Details of Your Case with a Family Law Attorney Today!

Life does not always work according to our plans and, in some cases, you might need legal assistance to address your problems, especially when they pertain to child custody. At Sullivan Law & Associates, our family law team is backed by more than four decades of legal experience. You can rely on us to provide the exceptional services you deserve.

Contact us today at (949) 565-2793 to request a consultation.