Tips for Communicating with Your Ex this Holiday Season
It is difficult to deny that the 2020 holiday season is reaching new heights when it comes to stress and uncertainty. When you couple the global pandemic with remote learning and the holidays, it is enough to make a parent want to take a pass this year. If you have difficulty arranging schedule shifts and plans with your ex in the best of time, the holidays this year may push things into next-level territory. There are, however, some helpful hints that can make navigating this often-treacherous terrain less stressful.
Keep It in Written Form
If communicating with your ex has traditionally led to problems, it is probably a good idea to stick to written messages. Doing this provides you with written documentation of the plans you have made and can make these plans crystal clear in terms of dates and pick-up and drop-off times and locations. When it comes to holiday schedules, it pays to be specific. Further, when you send a text or email, keeping your emotions out of it is far more doable than it is when you make a phone call, and those emotions (as valid as they are) can lead to an unfortunate tipping point.
Tips for Writing Those Emails and Texts
While keeping your correspondence in written form is likely the best path forward, this does not mean that it will be easy. Keep the following tips in mind when you are penning your holiday-related correspondence with your ex:
Remember that he or she is likely just as stressed and uncertain as you are, so adopting a we are in this together tone can help.
You and your ex both – no doubt – have scheduling requests that you would like to make happen. If you prioritize your requests and aim for hitting the top one or two, you are more likely to be successful (rather than taking an all or nothing approach). Doing this will leave you in a better position to negotiate for the dates and times that are most important to you.
Keep your messages brief and genuine (steering clear of an officious tone), and let your ex know that you are amenable to compromise.
If your ex’s responses are rude at best, try to chalk it up to stress and stay the course.
Ultimately, you and your ex both want what is best for your children this holiday season, and if you allow this to be your guide, it can help you move forward with less difficulty.
Discuss Your Concerns with a Dedicated Killeen Family Law Attorney Today
The holidays throw plenty of curveballs at divorced parents, and 2020 is primed to be one for the history books. If you are facing scheduling or any other kind of child custody concern this holiday season, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is an accomplished family law attorney who is on your side. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 today.