Co-Parenting to Keeping Kids Happy During Holidays
Essential Tips for Shared Custody During Vacation Time

As India experiences a growing trend in divorce rates, especially among urban families, the complexities of co-parenting during vacations have become increasingly relevant. With more families navigating the challenges of shared custody, the need for effective co-parenting strategies during holiday seasons is critical. Family therapy expert Deepa Tailor emphasizes the importance of a cooperative approach to ensure that children have positive experiences despite parental separation. Tailor's practical advice offers valuable insights for Indian parents striving to create harmonious and memorable holidays for their children.

Deepa explains that “Successful co-parenting during holidays can have significant psychological and emotional benefits for children. It helps them feel secure, loved, and valued by both parents, despite the separation.”

A cooperative approach reduces stress and anxiety, allowing kids to fully enjoy their vacations and create happy memories that last a lifetime.

Proactive Planning - Communication is key. Tailor recommends “discussing the holiday schedule well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Miscommunications or last-minute changes can be a common challenge, but using a shared calendar app can keep everyone informed and up-to-date.”

Keep It Positive - Focus on making the transition between homes as smooth as possible. Avoid negative talk about the other parent in front of the children. Tailor says, “Negative emotions can easily spill over, but setting rules for respectful communication and keeping discussions child-focused can help maintain a positive atmosphere.”

Be Flexible - Life happens. Be ready to adjust plans if needed, showing your kids that their happiness is the priority. Unplanned events can disrupt schedules, so Tailor suggests having backup plans and being willing to compromise can make the process smoother.

Coordinate Activities - To prevent overlapping plans or forgotten events, Tailor recommends regular check-ins between parents. This is particularly crucial for significant events like trips to popular destinations such as Disneyland.

Stay Consistent - Maintain consistent routines across both households to provide stability and comfort for your kids. “Different rules and routines can cause confusion, but agreeing on key routines like bedtime and meal times can keep things stable and familiar for children,” says Tailor.

Focus on the Kids - Remember, vacations are for making memories. Put the kids’ needs and enjoyment first. “Parental conflict can overshadow kids' experiences, but prioritizing children's activities and experiences over personal grievances ensures they have a joyful and stress-free time,” notes Tailor.

Data on divorces was collected by Forbes - 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-statistics/#divorce_rates_by_age_section