Celebrating together, splitting up trick-or-treating time, and alternating years or holidays are some ways that parents can peacefully share child custody on Halloween. The day’s activities allow parents and children to share a fun bonding experience. Child custody lawyers often recommend that parents address the holiday in their parenting schedule.
Celebrating Together
Parents who are still on good terms or are willing to set their feelings aside for a couple of hours could take their child trick-or-treating together. This simple solution would not require any changes to a child’s schedule. Additionally, it gives the parents a chance to build happy memories for the child and show the child how to have healthy relationships.
Splitting the Day
Exes who do not get along well or cannot spend time together for an extended period could consider splitting trick-or-treating duties equally. The child can start trick-or-treating with one parent in the early evening for one or two hours, and then the other parent can take the child around their neighborhood after that. Alternatively, the parent who already has custody might celebrate with the child for the early part of the day. The other parent can then pick up the child and keep them overnight.
Celebrating Halloween on a Different Day
There are usually several Halloween-themed activities on the days or weekends prior to Halloween. For instance, there could be weekend trick-or-treating events at malls, fairs, or parades. One parent could celebrate with the child at such events, and the other parent spend Halloween with the child. That would allow the child to enjoy Halloween time with both parents.
Alternating Years
Another alternative that parents may consider is alternating between years. One parent could celebrate Halloween with the child on even-numbered years, while the other parent spends the holiday with the child on odd years.
Alternating Holidays
A parent can also consider alternating holidays with their co-parent. The parent who did not have the child during the previous holiday that the family celebrates could get them on Halloween.
As people choose an option for co-parenting on Halloween, they should prioritize their children’s best interests. That calls for striking a balance between what is fair to the parents and what gives the children the most happiness.