Navigating Major Holidays After Divorce

Navigating Major Holidays After Divorce

Navigating Major Holidays After Divorce

Major holidays can be a source of joy, but for families navigating the challenges of divorce, they often bring a unique set of issues and questions.

Here are some strategies you can use:

1. Communicate: Open and honest communication between co-parents is important, even if it occurs through email or a parenting app.  If you both can agree on your children’s holiday plans, discuss them well in advance to avoid conflicts and allow for proper preparation.  Consider your children’s schedules, school events, and any personal preferences they may have for the holiday season. If you are unable to agree on holiday arrangements, go back to your parenting plan and follow it exactly.  The plan was created for this purpose and exists to guide you through difficult situations.
2. Don’t put your children in the position of having to choose between parents:  Resist the urge to compete for the children’s attention or affection during the holidays. Create a schedule that allows for equal or equitable time with each parent during the holidays. If you can’t create such a schedule, then follow your parenting plan completely.  You, your children and your co-parent will all benefit from not having arguments which can ruin the holiday for all.
3. Create New Memories and Honor Traditions: Strike a balance between creating new holiday traditions and honoring old ones. Allow flexibility for adapting to changes while keeping certain rituals consistent. Children find comfort in the familiar, so maintaining some traditions can provide stability during the holiday season.
4. Emphasize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of time spent together rather than the quantity. Make the most of the time available and create memorable experiences that the children will cherish. Quality interactions can help ease any stress or tension surrounding the holiday.

Remember to be the nice person you are.  You and your children will adjust to all the changes related to the divorce if you try to be a cooperative parent regardless of your co-parent’s behavior.  Find what you can enjoy during the holidays and focus on those traditions or activities.  The situation will get easier over time and your children will adapt better and sooner if you let go of anger and resentment.

Have Questions About Parenting Plans?  https://www.atlantadivorcemediationservices.com/contact-us/

• Mar/14/24 4:39 PM
• Children Custody
• by aadmin