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Should I Help My Child Choose a Gift for My Ex-Spouse?

Angel J. Berbarie | December 3, 2021

It’s that time of year when families are gathering for food, togetherness, and gifts. While it’s fun picking out gifts for most of your friends and family, helping your child choose a gift for your ex-husband or ex-wife may not be at the top of your list. Rest assured though, giving a gift to mom or dad is at the top of your child’s list.

3 Tips for Buying a Co-Parent a Gift

Here are three tips that will hopefully help you lean into, and even enjoy, shopping for your ex:

1. First and foremost, let your child know it’s okay for them to be excited about getting their other parent a gift. This is not something that a child should feel is a burden to you. A child should not have any feelings of guilt or anxiety about wanting to do something special for their mom or dad.
2. Brainstorm gift ideas with your child. Be sure that what they have in mind is appropriate in terms of a generous, but realistic, budget and is something their other parent may actually enjoy. My children have often suggested their favorite candy as a suitable gift for their dad, and while he might enjoy watching them eat his gift, it’s even sweeter for them to see their dad’s joy as he receives something they picked out just for him.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute to check this gift off your list. With so many things on backorder, you’ll want to discuss with your child early on what they want to get for their other parent. No one, including a child, wants to feel the stress of a gift not arriving on time.

Give Your Child the Gift of Healthy Co-Parenting Over the Holidays

You may be surprised at how rewarding it can be to shop for your ex-wife or ex-husband. Even if you’re not exactly fulfilled by this experience, just know that your child is certainly benefitting when you give them permission to enjoy shopping for that special gift for their other parent.

To learn more, contact Angel J. Berbarie at (214) 473-9696.

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