Top tips to manage Bonfire Night for separated parents

With Bonfire Night around the corner, we have put together the following five tips to help navigate what can sometimes be a stressful time for separated parents who are trying to do the right thing for their children:

1. Focus on what will make Bonfire Night enjoyable for the children.
2. Plan early and discuss the arrangements with the other parent in advance.
3. If one parent does not celebrate Bonfire Night, then it is important to respect their beliefs and that it is acceptable to have different values or traditions.
   1. Agree on boundaries with the other parent, for example firework displays, sparklers etc.
   2. Offer alternative suggestions to celebrate Bonfire Night such as toffee apple making, baking, marshmallow roasting, chalk fireworks, edible sparklers.
4. If both parents celebrate Bonfire Night, there is no rule to say that your own celebration must take place on 5 November, make a new tradition, there are plenty of firework displays that take place in the week leading up to Bonfire Night.
5. Create new traditions. If one parent misses out this year, then consider alternating the arrangements for the following year.

If communication between you is proving difficult, it might be worth considering mediation. Mediation can support you in creating a parenting plan and help establish clear, respectful ways to communicate moving forward.

At Stone King, we are committed to working with our clients to minimise conflict, and preserve family relationships wherever possible. If you would like to discuss your circumstances with one of our team, please get in touch today.