Navigating the Holidays With Children After Divorce

Divorce can be tricky when children are involved. Things get especially complicated around the holidays, when both parents typically want to spend as much time with the kids as possible. Both want the kids on Christmas, New Year’s Day, and everything in between. The kids are being pulled in many directions.

This can lead to unnecessary stress for all involved. The parents need to be able to work together to create a schedule that works well for everyone. This won’t be easy, though. This requires communication, compromise, and maturity, which can be a real challenge. After all, if you were able to communicate well with your ex-spouse, you probably wouldn’t be divorced in the first place.

Having to give up seeing your child for a holiday can be an emotional experience. If this is the first holiday season after the divorce, your child may be dealing with a rough transition as well. Here are some tips to co-parent appropriately after a divorce to reduce stress.

Get the Schedule Figured Out

Don’t try to hash things out at the last minute. Start working on the holiday schedule as soon as possible. This will give you time to make changes if necessary. Try to be flexible with holiday scheduling, since it may be a good idea to continue some traditions with extended family members. Keep in mind what the children will be doing and who will be visiting. It’s good to preserve relationships and maintain close bonds with others, even if it cuts into your visitation.

Set Expectations

Once you figure out a plan, let your children know. Make sure they are aware who they are spending their time with and what they will be doing. Children don’t like surprises. They want structure and a schedule, so give them the information they need so they don’t feel left out. They’ll feel more secure.

Share the Holidays Together

This is not something that will work for everyone, but if you and the other parent are on good terms, consider spending the holidays together. The children will benefit greatly. They’ll see their parents together. Their holidays will be less disrupted and you can continue making family memories together. There will be no disputes about parenting time and which parent will see the child on a specific day. This option works especially well when the children are younger. However, you must be able to communicate with the other parent without tension.

Seek Legal Help

Holidays are supposed to be fun events for the kids. When the parents cannot get along, the tension can ruin things and take the fun out of Christmas.

See how Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you find ways to make the holidays bright after a divorce. We’ll give you tips to help you get along with the other parent so your children can have the best Christmas possible. Schedule a consultation today by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.

Source:

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