NEWS & COMMENT
Top tips for successful co-parenting over the festive season Christmas is notoriously difficult for families who are no longer living together. Here is our list of tips to help you ensure that the holiday period is as harmonious as possible 1) Children Put your children first. Consider what is best for your children over the holiday period and focus on ensuring that they have as settled and happy a time as possible. 2) Presents Wherever possible talk with one another about Christmas presents and consider whether a joint present might be appropriate. Do not try to buy your child’s affection by attempting to outdo the other parent in the gift-giving department. Consult with them and either set budget guidelines or share the cost. This will also avoid duplicate presents. With certain events not being able to take place due to Covid 19, you may want to discuss other creative plans such as the children attending a Virtual Santa Grotto.
3) Talking Communication is the key to success. Even though it may be hard, try to keep channels of communication open with your ex-partner to ensure that everything works as smoothly as possible. 4) M anage expectations The first Christmas after a separation or divorce can be a confusing and a difficult time for everyone. Try your best to manage expectations so that everyone, particularly your children, know what to expect. 5) Agree arrangements Agree arrangements as far ahead as possible and try to be flexible for the sake of your children. Once you have agreed arrangements, try to keep to them. This is even more important in the current pandemic.
Lawyers can do a lot to help parents who cannot agree arrangements for the festive period to help to resolve these differences through mediation, negotiation or, if absolutely necessary, the court. If you would like further information in relation to children matters or family law generally, please contact one of our family solicitors at Debenhams Ottaway.
Helen Young Family Partner
To contact Debenhams Ottaway email hy@debenhamsottaway.co.uk, call 01727 738212 or visit website
Healthy living with BeeZee Bodies
An award-winning family healthy lifestyle programme in Hertfordshire is offering free online sessions. Each week the team of nutritionists at BeeZee Bodies cover topics such as healthy snacking, balanced meals, portion size and physical activity. Families can log on to weekly webinars that are fun and interactive, with games and quizzes, and prizes to be won! BeeZee Bodies, which is funded by Hertfordshire County Council, are experts at engaging children around healthy eating and fun exercise. All of BeeZee Bodies programmes are free for children aged 5-15, and their families, living in Hertfordshire (eligibility criteria applies). New courses start in January. For more information visit website or call 01707248648
Movies and more!
The Cinema at Campus West in Welwyn Garden City is open every day, showing a selection of family friendly films in a welcoming and fully covid-secure environment. Snacks and refreshments are available. For more information on The Cinema and Campus West, visit website familiesonline.co.uk
HCC recruiting foster carers Are you looking for a more fulfilling job? Has the Coronavirus pandemic left you looking for a new career or new way of life? Hertfordshire County Council foster carers say that fostering is the most rewarding thing they have ever done. Dawn and Alan have been foster carers with Hertfordshire County Council for the last ten years, fostering five children long-term as well as caring for approximately 30 short-term foster children. They are currently looking after a brother and sister aged 10 and 9. “We love fostering. It’s always chaos, there’s always someone here, but it’s good fun!” say Dawn and Alan. “People worry about the children moving on and the attachment they have to them, and I always say, don’t worry because in our experience, we still see them. They’re all grown-up now and it’s lovely when they come back.” If you are interested in fostering, Hertfordshire County Council will guide you through the process, providing 24/7 support, training and generous pay and allowances. Visit website or call 0800 917 0925 for an informal chat.
November/December 5
