Tips for Celebrating Halloween After Divorce

Co-parenting for Halloween is something to consider. If you and your ex can get along and agree on activities, co-parenting could be an option that you and your children would enjoy. Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children, and ideally they can continue to enjoy it.

If you’re unable to put conflict and tension aside, there are still ways to make Halloween fun for your kids.

According to the National Retail Federation(NRF), Halloween activities in 2022 should be back to the way they were pre-pandemic, before 2020.

Co-Parenting for Halloween—Tips for Parents Who Make it a Family Co-Parenting Event

  • Plan ahead of time. Share the night trick-or-treating. Even though you are no longer together, children can benefit from seeing their parents get along with each other. You can discuss and agree on the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating. If possible, tell them together about your Halloween plans. If it’s not possible to take them out together, one parent can take the kids out. The other parent can stay at home and pass out treats to children knocking on their door Halloween night. Older children who have outgrown trick-or-treating might enjoy staying at home with that parent to pass out candy. Creating a fun, cordial evening with your kids is a memorable event. Make it special for them.
  • Take your kids to other Halloween events. Haunted houses, hayrides and school or church Halloween parties are other events to consider. As parents, you know what they would enjoy and can also discuss it with them. Make it a family outing.

Tips for Parents Who Are Celebrating Halloween Separately

  • Alternating the Halloween holiday every other year. One way to work out holidays is to alternate years. Each year, a different parent can have the children for Halloween. In fact, one parent can celebrate it with the children on the night before Halloween or on some other day. The other parent can celebrate it on Halloween night. Schools, churches, other community organizations and theme parks often hold Halloween parties or events that are not always on Halloween Day.
  • Prepare in advance. Planning ahead for costumes is wise. If you do not communicate well with the other parent, have an extra costume ready for your child or children.
  • Create a backup plan. In the event that there is a mix-up over the Halloween celebration, have a backup plan ready. Another possibility is to plan something special on the weekend instead, if Halloween falls during the week.

Despite being divorced, you can make holidays fun and special for your kids and create happy memories.

Do you need legal help?

If you have legal issues with divorce, child custody, support or some other family matter, consult with an attorney. Gain understanding of what is in your and your children’s best interests and how to protect their rights. Contact us online or call 972.752.3474.