5 Tips for Divorced or Divorcing Parents During the Holidays

 Posted on December 15, 2021 in Uncategorized

The holiday season can be stressful for anyone. Buying gifts for loved ones and coordinating holiday celebrations and family get-togethers can take up a great deal of time and energy. These issues can be even more difficult to deal with for those who have recently ended their marriage or are in the midst of the divorce process. If you are a divorced or unmarried parent who shares custody of your children, you may need to make major changes to your normal holiday plans, and both you and your children may experience emotional struggles as you adjust to new arrangements. Fortunately, there are some positive steps that you can take to make sure you will be able to enjoy the holidays with your children. These include:

• Set expectations - It is important to make sure everyone understands the holiday parenting time schedule well in advance. You can communicate with the other parent to determine when children will be staying with each of you and when children will be picked up or dropped off, while also addressing any other issues related to the time children will spend in each of your homes during their winter break from school. You will also want to discuss these plans with your children and answer any questions they may have about the holiday schedule or other related concerns.

• Help children maintain positive family relationships - To ensure that your children will be able to enjoy the holidays, you can help them purchase or make gifts for the other parent and encourage them to make the most of the time they spend in each parent’s home. You can also help them connect with extended family members, including making sure they maintain communication with your ex’s side of the family whenever possible.

• Cooperate with the other parent as much as possible - You will want to do everything you can to avoid exposing your children to conflict. Finding ways to work together with your ex will ensure that your children do not feel like they have to choose sides. You may also want to coordinate gift-giving with the other parent to avoid the duplication of gifts.

• Create new holiday traditions - Since you may not be able to participate in all of the activities that your family had enjoyed in the past, you can find new ways to enjoy your time together with your children. By coming up with enjoyable activities and ways to celebrate, you can continue to build positive relationships with your children and make sure you will be able to enjoy your time together in the years to come.

• Take care of yourself - While you may be focused on making sure your children can enjoy the holidays, it is also important to address your own physical and mental health. By taking the time to de-stress whenever possible, spend time with friends and family members, or participate in activities you enjoy, you can make sure you will be able to be the best parent possible.

Contact Our Wheaton Child Custody Attorneys

If you are currently going through a divorce and need to determine how you will handle child custody during the holidays, or if you need to address any other issues related to your children, Goostree Law Group can provide the legal help you need. Contact our Wheaton parenting time lawyers at 630-364-4046 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.

Sources:

https://www.kidsinthemiddle.org/navigating-the-holidays-when-co-parenting-after-divorce/

https://childmind.org/article/divorced-for-the-holidays-what-to-give-the-kids/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/legal-matters/202111/the-holidays-are-here-what-newly-divorced-co-parents-need-know