With the chaos of the holiday season, something you and your ex-spouse may forget to coordinate is your gift-giving efforts. You might be thinking, why would we need to discuss that when we do the holiday separately? Well, this issue can actually be more complicated than it seems on the surface. Here are some things to think about and discuss while holiday shopping.
Duplicate Gifts
Something you want to avoid is purchasing the same gifts for your child as your ex-spouse. If your child provided a Christmas list to both of you, go through the list together and decide who will buy what.
You may not want to send your ex a text each time you buy something not included on the list, but for any pricey gifts, it’s a good idea to communicate with your ex so they don’t make the same purchase.
Discuss Any Disagreements
You may want to buy your child something that you think your ex may not agree with. For example, an R-rated movie for your child who isn’t yet 17. If you believe a gift idea you have could upset your ex, talk to them about it. Speaking in advance can save you from arguing after the fact.
Don’t Let It Become a Competition
When purchasing gifts this holiday season, don’t make it a competition to see which parent can give better gifts. This is an unhealthy mindset to have. If you view gift-giving as a competition, you likely view many different things as a competition between you and your ex. Children are perceptive and can pick up on this, making them feel uncomfortable and stuck in the middle.
Know That The Gifts May Travel Back and Forth
What we mean by this is, be okay with the fact that your child could bring some of the gifts you give them over to your ex’s house. Don’t put conditions in place that what you buy for your child has to stay under your roof.
Help Them Buy Gifts for Their Other Parent
Take your child to the store to purchase a holiday gift for their other parent. This helps show that while you and your ex are no longer together, you still respect them and care about your child’s relationship with them.
Salt Lake City Family Law Attorneys
Figuring out family and parenting time during the holiday season is difficult for everyone, but especially so for separated or divorced spouses. Take these weeks leading up to the holidays to ensure you and your ex are on the same page about what to expect.
For all of your family law needs, our team at Lokken & Putnam, P.C. is here to assist you. Click here to fill out our online form and set up an initial consultation with one of our Salt Lake City family law attorneys.