The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every part of our lives over the past seven months. As the busy holiday travel season approaches, co-parents are once again confronted with difficult questions—should they travel at all; if they do travel, what’s the best way to do it safely; and what happens if their co-parent has a different opinion on the subject?
What is advised and what are others doing
According to the CDC, staying home is the best way to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. While this makes the holiday season more challenging, as many co-parents and children are used to spending time with extended family from other parts of the state or country, it’s the safest option. Some alternatives to holiday travel and in-person gatherings include hosting a Zoom Thanksgiving dinner, trading family recipes via email that everyone can make and enjoy together (while safely apart), or participating in a virtual Turkey Trot. Read more ideas from the Dallas Herald here.
What if you have to or really want to travel?
If you absolutely must travel during the holiday season, consider the safest method for you to do so. For example, car travel may be safer than airline travel, due to socially-distanced contact with fewer people along your route. If air travel is a necessity, research the safety precautions of different airlines. The CDC recommends, no matter which method of travel you choose, that you wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, stay six feet apart from anyone not in your household, and wash or sanitize your hands often.
Conflict with your co-parent?
Now comes the tricky part: what if your co-parent objects to you traveling with your children during the holiday season? The simplest answer is to listen to their concerns and have an honest conversation about your plan. Your priority should be keeping your children healthy and safe. However, if you think this is going to be an issue, you may need to consult an expert. Luckily, SupportPay has several tools available to help you, from our professional directory to a list of state-specific resources.