Father’s Day Parenting Arrangements

Fathers day celebrates dads, stepdads, grandfathers and significant figures. When discussing parenting arrangements, some parents forget about making special provisions for these special occasions. As a result, the lead up to this day can become stressful for everyone.  It might not always be possible however, it is a good idea to start thinking about what arrangements you can make with your former partner to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Sometimes parents may not see the big deal and think ‘it’s just another day’, however quite often it is the children who want to see that parent on that special day.  Perhaps they have made a gift for that parent at school or bought them something small from the school stall.  It is also important in some families that that day is spent with grandparents or other significant caregivers. 

Whatever decisions are made it is important that they are made with the children’s best interests at the forefront.  Try not to get caught up in a tug of war of ‘it’s my time’ or ‘my weekend’, generally what goes around comes around and the gesture will (hopefully) be reciprocated.

If you are having difficulties coming to an agreement over special occasions such as Father’s Day, mediation can help.  Together with your co-parent you can make suggestions and put forward ideas that can suit everyone. 

Some examples of fathers/mothers day arrangements include:

• Changing weekends: Parents can agree that the weekends are swapped to accommodate that special occasion being spent with that respective parent.

• Spend time on the day: If the child is not with the respective parent on that occasion it may be agreed that the child spend time with that parent on that day ie: 10am – 2pm, which would allow for a lunch time get together with other family.

The great thing about mediation is that parents are able to come up with whatever arrangements they wish as long as they are in the best interests of the children and parents agree.  Mediation allows time and space to brainstorm, problem solve and think outside the square so that resolution suits everyone.