Halloween can be a huge event for a child- the costumes, the trick and treating, carving pumpkins and trick and treating. Like many events in the year for sepearted parents, navigating how these special dates will be shared can be difficult.  Will Halloween be alternated?  What if it's on a school night? How will you both get to be part of teh child's memoreies of these occassions?

This is something often discussed by parents in mediation, including the other special events during the year. If this is something you are thinking about, there are some key points to remember-

* Halloween can be celebrated in the lead up e.g. pumpkin picking and face painting the weekend before. Often having two of the same event can be double the fun even if its on a different day than the "official" one.

* Put yourself if your child's shoes.  What would they want?

* Put yourself in the other parent's shows. How would you feel if the arrangements were the other way around?

* Make sure that your children know you are happy they are having a good time celebrating the event with the other parent, even if you feel you are missing out.  Do not make a child feel they have to pick between you.

These kind of arrangements are often written into Parenting Plans during the mediation process, which can then be used outside of mediation as as structure for co-parenting arrangements. These can be as detailed or as simple as both parents think is helpful.

If you would like to know more about mediation email us at hello@familymandm.co.ukor call us on 0800 206 2258 or book a free call at a time that suits you via our website www.familymediationandmentoring.co.uk