The holiday season is officially upon us, and while this can be an exciting and magical time of year, it can also be a stressful time, especially for parents who have recently divorced.
Most parents struggle during the first few vacation seasons after a divorce or separation occurs as they get used to the new Christmas hours and traditions. It can also be very difficult to spend vacations away from your children. This is especially true around Christmas time.
However, it’s important to remember who the vacation is really about – your kids. A Huffington Post article recently provided some good advice on putting kids first and managing parenting time around the holidays and the Christmas season. A link to this article is posted at the end of this article for you to read.
First, the article said to make sure that children remain the number one priority. It can be easy to get caught up in your own emotions, wants, and needs, but putting children first means allowing them to spend time with family on both sides of the family and keeping them out of any disputes over parenting.
Second, if there is any confusion about who should have the children and when, check your divorce decree. Most likely, the decree provided specific instructions on what was determined to be best for the children when dividing vacation time. If you anticipate or experience problems, it would be wise to speak with your Orlando family or divorce attorney about your concerns.
Next, it’s smart to start planning a holiday parenting program in advance. in advance. With Christmas just a few weeks away, now is the time to set a vacation schedule for parents if you haven’t already. Then make sure your kids and family know what the vacation plans are so they can feel prepared.
Lastly, don’t turn your vacation into competing with your ex-husband or ex-wife. Divorced parents tend to want to “get over” the other parent over the holidays by buying more gifts or celebrating more extravagantly, but it’s never a good idea to try to buy their children’s love in any situation, including the next vacation.
These are great tips for divorced parents to keep in mind during the holiday season. Although this can be a difficult transition at first, rest assured that it will get easier over time after you have created new traditions and memories.
Article Link: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-tips-for-coparenting-du_b_6136216