As the holidays approach, parents eagerly look forward to spending time with their children and creating memories to last a lifetime. However, for families going through divorce, the holidays can bring unique challenges. There are things you can do to make the holidays less stressful and more enjoyable for you and your children when co-parenting after divorce.
Prioritize Your Children’s Needs
- Spending Time Together as a Family: Splitting the holidays can be heart-wrenching. However, when parents have a good co-parenting relationship, it is beneficial for the children to spend time with both parents together during holiday festivities. It reassures children that their parents are united regarding their well-being despite the divorce. However, if you and your spouse are not on good terms, celebrating with the children without your ex-spouse is best. Tension between ex-spouses can create painful memories for children.
- Coordinate Gifts: It is preferable to communicate with your ex-spouse about gifts for your children. Consider buying gifts jointly and decide which parent will shop for them. Maybe you can be together when the gifts are opened. Set a budget so that even if the parents buy gifts separately, one does not buy all the expensive items, and the other is left buying pajamas. It is not a competition.
- Putting Children First: Although managing your emotions about the family breakup may be difficult, it is important not to pass on these feelings to your children. They should not have to feel guilty about leaving one parent alone for the holiday or about loving either of their parents. Encourage your children to enjoy spending time with the other parent. You may even put aside your feelings and help them choose a gift for the other parent.
- Build New Traditions: Holiday traditions strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of belonging. After a divorce, the traditions that were once so important may be disrupted. By creating new traditions, you help your children adjust to the shift in family dynamics. Inviting the children to participate in planning new holiday traditions can lead to a healthy transition.
- Communication with your ex-spouse: During a divorce, your first discussion of co-parenting during the holidays will probably happen at mediation, where a parenting plan is created. The plan includes how much time each parent will spend with their children over the holidays and how transportation between parents is arranged. Be sure to discuss the specific details regarding holiday plans before the frenzy of the holiday season. Positive and respectful communication with your ex-spouse will minimize misunderstandings and conflict.
Contact McGee Law, PLLC, for a Free Consultation
At McGee Law, PLLC, we know that the holidays are magical times for children. We wish you a season filled with joy, warmth, and unforgettable moments together. Call our experienced family law attorney at our Palm Coast offices to learn more about co-parenting success for the holidays.
Compassionate and Cutting-Edge Legal Services for Family Law Matters
If you are seeking a divorce and need to discuss drafting a parenting plan, we are here to help. Additionally, we can help you modify your current parenting plan, or enforce the plan due to a non-compliant ex-spouse. We understand the emotional trauma of divorce and can guide and support you with the most appropriate legal action based on your circumstances. Contact McGee Law, PLLC, at (386) 320-7300. We are here to assist you in resolving your family law issues.
