Easter Holiday & Co-Parenting with a Narcissist
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Easter is meant to be a time of renewal, joy, and family celebration. But if you're co-parenting with a narcissist, the holiday might feel more like a minefield of emotional manipulation, control, and stress. Instead of peaceful egg hunts and Easter brunch, you may find yourself dodging passive-aggressive texts, fighting over pick-up times, or dealing with broken agreements.
The good news? You can get through Easter weekend with your peace—and your parenting rights—intact. As a Hoover, Alabama divorce and family law attorney, I’ve helped countless parents navigate high-conflict holidays during a divorce, especially when a narcissistic ex is involved.
Here’s how to protect yourself, your children, and your holiday.
Why Narcissists Weaponize Holidays Like Easter
Narcissists often use holidays for one reason: control. They don’t see Easter as a time for compromise or cooperation—they see it as a stage for attention, chaos, or revenge. If your ex is narcissistic or high-conflict, they may use Easter to:
Disrupt your parenting time or plans
Play the “fun parent” and undermine your authority
Buy extravagant Easter baskets to compete for your child’s affection
Twist the narrative to make you look like the villain to family or even the court
Trigger conflict just to drain your energy and provoke a reaction
They thrive on drama. But you can rise above it.
How to Co-Parent Peacefully (Even If They Won’t)
1. Stick to the Parenting Plan
Your custody agreement is your Easter survival guide. If it includes specific holiday schedules, follow them to the letter. Do not allow guilt trips, “but the kids want to come with me” arguments, or last-minute changes to sway you.
If your agreement doesn’t specify Easter custody, talk to your attorney about amending your parenting plan to include all major holidays. Clear boundaries reduce room for manipulation.
2. Use Written Communication Only
When you're dealing with a narcissist, always communicate in writing—preferably through a co-parenting app like:
Our Family Wizard
Talking Parents
App Close
This creates a documented trail that protects you from false accusations or gaslighting. Keep your messages brief, factual, and emotion-free. Do not engage in arguments, even if provoked.
3. Expect Games—But Don’t Play Along
Your narcissistic ex might:
“Forget” agreed pick-up/drop-off times
Show up uninvited at your Easter events
Try to switch plans last minute
Tell your children you’re “keeping them from having fun”
These tactics are meant to trigger emotional responses. The key is to remain calm and predictable—even if they’re doing everything they can to pull you into chaos. Narcissists lose power when you stop reacting.
4. Focus on Creating Joyful Easter Moments
You may not be able to control your ex, but you can control the atmosphere in your own home. Whether you have the kids on Easter Sunday or not, create your own celebration:
Plan an egg hunt in your yard or a local park
Make Easter crafts or decorate eggs together
Attend a child-friendly church service or community event
Share a quiet brunch and talk about the meaning of renewal and hope
Children remember peace, not perfection. Your calm presence is more powerful than any over-the-top Easter basket.
5. Don’t Compete—Connect
Narcissistic parents often try to “buy” love with gifts or experiences. If your ex shows up with expensive Easter presents or extravagant plans, don’t take the bait.
Instead of competing, focus on emotional connection:
Listen to your kids
Ask how they feel
Tell them what you love about spending time with them
Share memories and laughter
The bond you build through love and stability will outlast any gift.
What If They Violate the Parenting Plan?
If your narcissistic ex:
Refuses to return the children at the agreed time
Blocks your court-ordered visitation
Tries to alienate the children against you
Manipulates communication or makes threats
Document everything. Then, contact your family law attorney right away. In Alabama, repeated violations of a parenting plan can justify legal action, including:
Contempt of court
Modification of custody
Supervised visitation orders
Court-mandated communication methods
The courts prioritize the best interests of the child—and that includes consistency, emotional safety, and respectful co-parenting.
Reclaiming Easter: A Time of Renewal
Even if your co-parent is difficult, Easter can still be a time of healing. The holiday symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings—and that applies to you, too. Divorce and toxic co-parenting don’t have to define your family’s story.
You’re creating a new normal. One where your children feel safe, loved, and supported. One where you are no longer controlled by a narcissist’s tactics. And one where the holidays become joyful again.
Need Help Navigating a Narcissist This Easter? Let’s Talk.
If your ex is using Easter—or any holiday—as a weapon, you don’t have to face it alone. As an experienced divorce and family law attorney in Hoover, Alabama, I help parents protect their time, enforce parenting plans, and reduce conflict with high-conflict exes.
Whether you need legal advice or want to pursue court action to regain peace, I’m here to help.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today
Don’t let another holiday be hijacked by conflict. Contact Attorney Michael Capleone today to take the first step toward protecting your rights—and your peace of mind.
You deserve a peaceful Easter. Your children deserve a calm co-parent. And I’ll help you get there.
Need more help? Download my guide on: Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Boundaries, Tools, and Sanity Strategies: https://legalista8.gumroad.com/l/encdoj
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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. For legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult an experienced family law attorney licensed in your state.
