Posted on in Divorce
The holidays make up some of the most special times in our lives, but for parents who are getting divorced or have recently divorced, they can be stressful. Parents must create and stick to a visitation schedule that divides the children’s time between households and extended families.
Parents will sometimes try to cope with the difficulty of the changes in scheduling by overcompensating with lavish gifts, free schedules, and other indulgences. But this is not necessarily good for children, and it does not make them love their parents more than they did before. Navigating the holidays after divorce is a unique challenge, but for parents committed to their children’s well being, it is entirely possible to do so. Here are some tips to help.
Tips for Navigating Holidays During and After Divorce
- Avoid competing with your ex - Children can get caught in the middle of parents trying to one-up each other with great gifts and extra fun plans. But children all over the world have meaningful holidays without getting the very best that the toy store has to offer. Time together is often the thing children crave from their parents, and giving that gift is free.
- Take advantage of time off - If your children are visiting the other side of the family during the holidays, do not restrict yourself to staying in your sweatpants in bed (unless rest is what you need!). Instead, take this opportunity to pamper yourself, reconnect with old friends, and perhaps travel somewhere new.
- Create new memories - Sometimes parents will try to maintain the traditions they held during their marriage, but that can make parents and children both feel sad. Look for opportunities to create new traditions. Some families try to take the focus off of themselves by looking for a way to volunteer and give to others. When done mindfully, creating traditions can set an example of how to move through challenging circumstances in a healthy way.
- Avoid idealizing through movies and magazines - Entertainment is good for just that: Entertaining us. But if you draw upon TV, magazines, and social media users to set the standard of what your holidays need to look like, you may end up feeling even more disappointed. Rather than comparing yourself to a “perfect” scenario, remember that your family’s circumstances are the best guide to what is perfect for you.
Work with a Plano, TX Child Custody Lawyer
If you are getting divorced and struggling to understand the implications this may have for you and your children during the holidays, we may be able to help. Navigating the holidays after your divorce can be made much easier with a great parenting plan along with the support of an experienced Collin County divorce attorney with the Law Office of Brian Bagley. Call our offices today at (972) 843-7158 to schedule a free initial consultation and find out more about what we can do for you.
Source:
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.153.htm