Parenting can be challenging for everyone, especially during the holidays. Divorced parents tend to face unique challenges that some find difficult to address and deal with.
The holidays are supposed to be a time filled with joy and cheer. While family traditions may change after divorce, it doesn’t mean that special new memories cannot be made this year. Divorced parents need to be aware of the impact their separation may have on the holidays and how children will react to the change in celebrating the holidays.
To make sure the holidays are enjoyable for the whole family, divorced parents should take the following considerations into mind:
- Let children stay in the home they usually reside in, at least for the first holiday after divorce. It will make it easier, especially for parents who have younger children.
- Try to share time with children during the holidays, taking into consideration what makes sense and works the best for both parents.
- Start a new holiday tradition but don’t change everything that is familiar during the holidays for your children.
- Don’t argue with your ex over the holidays, especially over minor issues.
- Don’t put your children in the middle of an argument with your spouse.
- Make sure you take your child’s needs into consideration and what they want to do to celebrate the holidays.
Celebrating the holidays can be stressful enough but when divorce is thrown into the mix, it can be downright frustrating at times. Divorce parents need to make sure they remember what is important to them and their family during the holidays and keep that in mind when making decisions about holiday plans and traditions.
Source: Huffington Post, “Do’s and Don’ts For Newly Separated Parents To Avoid Santa’s “Naughty List” During The Holidays,” Dan Clifford, Dec. 21, 2012
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