It is that time of year when school is almost over, children are excited and can’t wait for summer to begin, and high school juniors and seniors prepare for their prom. Prom for many is the time to have fun with friends. It is a time to enjoy the end of a long school year. Prom also can bring stress for kids and parents when deciding which tux or dress to wear, where to go to dinner, and deciding whether a limo be rented. Now factor in how children of high conflict parents are forced to deal with other stresses outside of the normal ones related to prom.
For instance, as a family law attorney in San Diego, I’ve come across many high conflict parents and situations where parents who only see their children on alternate weekends get upset that the prom has fallen on their weekend. They get upset because they have to drive their child to pick up their tux or dress and then have to take them for pictures and possibly have to drive them to the prom. Instead of what is supposed to be an exciting experience for their children, these high conflict parents yell at their children and blame them that they are losing time with them for the weekend.
In my family law practice in San Diego, when I have clients bring up these situations I inform them of the undue stress this puts on their children. Additionally, when a client tells me the other parent does this, I make sure to mention it in court because that parent needs to understand that part of being a parent for a child means they need to take the responsibilities associated with that.
Parents who are better able to communicate with each other and co-parent create less stress for their child because they can each take on specific responsibilities towards preparing their child for prom.
It is important to note that there are many co-parenting programs around to help high conflict parents. These can be voluntarily attended or can be court mandated.
Prom should be an exciting time for all children and it should not be disrupted by their high conflict parents.
To inquire further about parenting plans involving high conflict parents look for a local family law attorney who can discuss this process as it relates to your specific situation. In San Diego, contact the Law Offices of Brian A. Victor for more information on child custody plans. www.brianvictorlaw.com
