Celebrating a child’s birthday is very exciting and something that parents look forward to, especially when children are young. Despite the excitement of birthdays, divorced couples may experience challenges when it comes to planning and executing a child’s birthday party.
A parent may be uncomfortable with being around their ex-spouse or being near their family. If there is a high level of conflict from the divorce, throwing a joint birthday party may be extremely difficult to do. Co-parents need to put the needs of their child over their own and work out a way to peacefully celebrate their child’s birthday.
What is Included in a Parenting Plan?
During divorce proceedings, parents develop a settlement that works for the both of them. Usually, birthdays are incorporated in parenting plans. This parenting plan will help parents follow their agreements.
When a parenting plan is being created, parents should discuss what they want for their children in the future and how both parents can come together to provide support for their children.
Should I Plan a Birthday Party with My Ex-Spouse?
When it comes to divorced parents, it is a good idea to only throw one birthday party for a child instead of two separate ones. Children may feel uncomfortable celebrating their birthdays on two separate day, and they may feel confused on why their parents cannot be together to celebrate them.
Emotional problems may overtake the excitement. Divorced parents should put the needs of their children first. Having both parents at the same party is best for the children, it shows support.
Since a birthday is a celebration dedicated solely to one person, parents should put aside their differences to come together for their child. A child may understand the reason for not celebrating holidays together, but a birthday may be harder for them to process. Parents need to make their children a priority and show them that they can come together to celebrate. This will make other celebrations, like graduations and religious events, easier to spend together.
Birthday Party Planning Considerations
Co-parents should remember a few things when planning a party, such as the following:
Parenting Plan: Make sure that both parents are sticking to the parenting plan they developed during the divorce proceedings. If they decide to throw joint birthday parties, commit to the decision.
Expenses: The cost of a child’s birthday should be split between the two parents. Parents can also split the cost of gifts so that one parent does not spend more than the other.
Conflict: On a child’s birthday, there should be no conflict or arguments between parents, this may ruin the day for the child. If the level of conflict between parents is a strong issue when planning a party, parents can switch off as hosts at their child’s party.
Both parents must maintain appropriate demeanor at the party in order for the birthday celebration to be a success. If this is not something that seems possible, a birthday party with both parents should not occur. Instead, parents may need to compromise and switch off on years so that each parent gets their children on their birthdays.
It is important to remember that a child’s birthday is a day to celebrate them. Parents should not bring up feelings about each other or the divorce. Also, a parent should not bring a new spouse to the party if it is going to cause arguments and tension.
Check-in: Before a parent begins to plan some elaborate party, they should make sure that this is what the child wants. A child may prefer a smaller gathering or a movie night with friends. Divorced parents may unintentionally make their children upset. A child should be asked about their birthday and what they want.
Always remember that birthdays are celebrations. Parents creating memories with their children is extremely important, especially after a recent divorce. Children should always come first, and the differences between parents should be set aside for a child’s special day.
If a parent is concerned about their parenting plan, they should consult a lawyer. A lawyer can petition to make modifications to child custody arrangements.
Baltimore County Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Make the Divorce Process Easier for Parents
After divorce, co-parents may not know how to celebrate their children’s birthdays. Additionally, they may need to make modifications to their current parenting plans. Our Baltimore County divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC help parents with child custody issues. For a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 443-589-0150. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County.