It appears that actress Kate Winslet has created a firestorm over comments she made about parenting time in a recent magazine. She was interviewed for the November 2013 issue of Vogue Magazine, and asked about how she reacts to critics of her parenting. She strongly quipped that her children live with her, and suggested that there was no shared parenting time.

A U.K. based father’s rights group is using her comments to support a Christmas advertisement. “It is clear from what Kate says that she does not support ‘shared parenting,’” said Fathers4Justice in an advertisement in a national magazine, advocating for the rights of fathers who were not with their children on Christmas morning. 

Winslet was undoubtedly upset about how her comments were characterized, but the story brings up a genuine concern that many non-custodial parents have during the holidays. During this season, especially Christmas, they may not have any say in whether they get to spend time with their children.

Because of this, both non-custodial and custodial parents must work together to ensure that kids get to experience the joy of the holidays with both parents. When there is a dispute over parenting time, there are a number of options, especially mediation.

Mediation is a dispute resolution process that focuses on helping parties reach mutually beneficial resolutions. When parents can humble themselves and reach win-win situations, children tend to benefit. In the meantime, it is beneficial for parents to make time for the children to spend time with the other parent during the holidays.

Source: HuffingtonPost.com, “Kate Winslet targeted by father’s rights group over parenting arrangement,” Cavan Sieczkowski, December 19, 2013