Birthdays are such special occasions and nobody looks forward to them more than children. That’s why it is important that you don’t let your divorce spoil all of the fun. Before you make any plans, talk with your ex. Communicating with each other ahead of time will help you set boundaries while still making it a memorable day for your child.
First, consider what your child would enjoy. This will give you a starting point for your discussion. Then, decide what the two of you can realistically handle.
Ways to celebrate your child’s birthday
There are a variety of ways to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you and your ex get along, consider having one big party. This might mean talking with your respective families to let them know that keeping the peace is of the utmost importance. Explain that the day is about your child. It is not the time to bring up grievances pertaining to the divorce.
If your families just can’t get along, separate celebrations may be in order. Each family can make their own plans. Just make sure that the celebrations don’t conflict with each other. Your child might be excited to have two parties!
Another possibility would be to split the day. Perhaps your ex could do something special with the birthday child in the morning. Then, you could celebrate with your child in the afternoon.
Remember that the day is about your child
When it comes to celebrating your child’s birthday, it’s important to set aside your differences. If you and your ex put your child first, the celebration will be a success. Should you and your ex find that you cannot work this out together, you may need to consult your custody agreement.