Every divorced couple handles their children’s Halloween schedules differently. Some couples take turns, alternating holidays every year. Some co-parents spend the evening together, just like old times. Others create new traditions, perhaps incorporating their newly blended families.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Halloween, your evening will no doubt be quite different from how it was before the divorce. Even if your split took an emotional toll on the children, you can still help them have a fun, spooky and loving time.
- Use good communication
You know firsthand how important communication is to a healthy relationship with your children. Even though Halloween is a light-hearted holiday, take communication seriously. Discuss the festivities with your former spouse, their partner, your children and your current partner to determine how to spend the evening.
- Celebrate twice!
The wonderful thing about having a blended family is the chance to celebrate a holiday twice. If one parent has the children on Halloween night, then the other can plan a special celebration for a different day. The kids may love going to a second Halloween party—it means twice the fun, and twice the candy.
- Incorporate social media
Technology can help families remain close, even if they are far apart. If you can’t be with your children or their other parent on Halloween, share the moment on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media platforms. This helps create memories and extend the celebration even longer.
Many parents who are preparing for a divorce or have already split are afraid of how to handle the holidays. But when parents prioritize their children’s wellbeing, festivities like Halloween do not have to be scary.