Halloween Co-parenting Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic – Youngster Custody Authorized Blogs Posted by Gerard F. Miles

Raising children together can be challenging even in the best of circumstances, and the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has consistently caused problems for divorced parents. Not only do you have to deal with social distancing, there are health issues, work-related concerns, and difficult class schedules. However, safety must be the top priority when making decisions about common parenting.

Parents may be wondering how to deal with holiday celebrations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the Halloween events. Different parts of the country have different regulations. It is helpful to have the most current information available.

What are the safety protocols for Halloween?
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released some guidelines for families to refer to. They discourage many of the festivals that children usually look forward to. This can be very disappointing for kids, but many traditional Halloween activities are classified as high risk. Some of the most dangerous activities include crowded indoor Halloween parties, trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treat events, fall festivals, and hay rides and tractor rides with strangers.

The CDC also advises against outdoor parties where people are not wearing masks or are social distancing themselves. It is important to know that Halloween costume masks are not the same as cloth masks. Costume masks must have at least two layers of breathable fabric, cover the nose and mouth and must not have any gaps. Picking pumpkins and apples can also be risky as people may not use hand sanitizer.

Complete transparency is essential
The health of family members is extremely important. To make this a priority, co-parents need to be completely transparent about their actions. Nobody wants to risk losing parental leave, but if one has been exposed or tested positive, the other family members need to know. This honest exchange of information will make everyone safer. Parents can share how everyone tries to protect the children from exposure.

If either child shows symptoms and tests positive, both parents should be aware. If one parent feels that the other is not practicing social distancing or is behaving inconsiderately, this topic should be discussed.

Many parents may also experience economic difficulties, such as fewer hours worked or complete job loss. This could have an impact on child support and child support payments, which can lead to friction. Arguing in front of the children, especially around the holidays, could upset them. When these disagreements are discussed and resolved in a calm matter, it benefits everyone.

How can families celebrate Halloween safely?
Trick or treat and parties aren’t the only ways to celebrate Halloween. There are many other ways to enjoy your vacation and they don’t have to cost a lot of money. Families can include the children in decorating the indoor and outdoor areas of their homes, including jack-o-lanterns. Other fun ideas include family scavenger hunts, scary movie nights, and virtual costume contests.

While a small outdoor gathering with social distancing protocols is doable, the rules aren’t always easy to follow, especially with younger children. Serving alcohol can impair judgment and lead people to disregard safety rules.

What should i tell my kids?
To put the children’s wellbeing first, the CDC, local, and state guidelines that apply to Halloween must be followed. Many cities may not even allow trick or treating, so it’s important to stay informed about local laws. Parents should expect their children to be upset or angry about their inability to do trick or treating.

If possible, a family reunion can be arranged to discuss how to celebrate Halloween, but parents should be on the same page. You can meet or speak ahead of time and decide how best to tell the kids about Halloween. Keeping calm is extremely helpful.

If you give the children a few options, they will feel like they are in control of the situation. You can be offered a variety of activities, such as: B. Pumpkin painting, a costumed virtual meeting, or some of the other low risk options. The more creative the better.

Should parents share vacation events?
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Halloween can still be fun. One of the best ways to ensure fun for everyone is to plan ahead. Parents should discuss who will have the children for Halloween activities that can be discussed at a family reunion. If there is a custody agreement or court order, this is the starting point.

Some co-parents take turns during the holidays, so a decision may already have been made. Another option is to spend part of the day with one parent and the rest of the day with the other parent. If there are multiple children, they can be split between parents if this is acceptable. For example, one child can carve pumpkins with their father while the other child decorates the house with their mother.

Some separated families can vacation together like Halloween, and this can be a rewarding experience when everyone is comfortable. Creating new vacation traditions like cooking together, dressing up the family’s pet, recording videos, or visiting grandparents can also make the vacation special.

If a parent wants to make changes to an existing custody arrangement, they should speak to an attorney about their options.

Baltimore County’s custody attorneys at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC help clients spend time with their children during the vacation
This Halloween will be different for everyone, but your family can still make the most of it. Sometimes vacation events create tension between co-parents. If you need experienced legal advice regarding a custody issue, one of our Baltimore County custody attorneys at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can help. Contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150 for a free consultation. Based in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve customers throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Colombia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County.

Visit our website at https://www.huesmanjonesandmiles.com/ for more information.