Co-parenting during the holiday season can be incredibly tough, as HGTV star Nicole Curtis recently revealed in an interview with People. The host of "Rehab Addict" shared how this year's Thanksgiving turned into a "nightmare" for her because she wasn’t able to spend the day with her youngest son, Harper, who's 3 years old. This situation arose due to her ongoing custody arrangement with her ex, Shane Maguire.
“The holidays can feel like a living nightmare, especially when you want everyone together—friends, family, even those who might not always get along,” Nicole, now 42, confessed. “Thanksgiving wasn’t my parenting time, so I couldn’t be with Harper. Even on the most challenging days, I’ve always welcomed my ex into our home. We’ve even gone trick-or-treating together during what was technically my parenting time. I always hope the same courtesy would be extended to me, but unfortunately, it hasn’t happened. I’m not allowed to be with Harper when he’s with his dad.”
View this post on InstagramI swear it’s always the photos snapped by the random strangers that I cherish the most. In this case, a couple having a romantic stroll beachside before I recruited them to be our photographer. The moment when my little says “make it a kiss one, mama” 😘I had asked him what he wanted to do that day and the answer was eat French Fries in the sand …
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After Years of Legal Battles, a Custody Agreement is Finally Reached
Thankfully, Nicole and Shane reached a custody agreement for Harper last month, bringing an end to a long and challenging legal battle. According to People, the former couple agreed to share equal responsibility and decision-making authority over Harper’s well-being, including his healthcare, education, and religious training. They also committed to consulting each other on all significant matters in their son’s life moving forward.
“As court records indicate, an agreement was finally reached. As a parent, you do whatever it takes to maintain peace and calm for your child. This was the best decision for our son,” Nicole told the magazine in late October.
Thanksgiving Without Harper: Nicole's Heartfelt Message
Just before Thanksgiving, Nicole, who is also the mother of an older son, Ethan, from her previous marriage to Steve Lane, took to Instagram to express her feelings about her current co-parenting situation. With over 250,000 followers, Nicole shared her heartfelt thoughts about how she longs to celebrate Thanksgiving the way she’s always dreamed—cooking, entertaining, and indulging in her grandmother’s famous pie recipe, which she admits she’s never quite mastered.
“But like many others, we’re trapped in the world of ‘not your parenting time.’ So, while I joyfully and happily wish everyone celebrating Thanksgiving the best, my words today are for those like us—you’re not alone. I never expected to be in this situation, but it’s not up to me. If you’re the parent refusing to let your child experience the joy of having both parents in the same room—unless there’s an abusive or dangerous situation—please reconsider. It’s not about you. I gave someone that advice recently, and although it didn’t get me anywhere, persistence is key. Stay safe, spread love today, and if you’re having a tough moment during this time, know that you’re not alone. You’ve got my extra love and energy.”
