On behalf of The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. posted in Divorce on Monday, December 20, 2010
Holidays are a time for family tradition, a time when everyone comes together and everything feels easy and just right…well, at least the kids usually see it that way even if you are feeling a bit of stress. Divorce proceedings may take a break on Christmas Eve, but children with divorcing parents do not always see it that way. The first major holiday during a divorce can be very hard for children who see the holidays as a time of happiness and have spent every one of their life with both parents.
The author of “Simply Parenting” has a few suggestions for divorcing or newly divorced parents to help put the focus back on the holidays for their children. Although most parents put their children first in their lives, the holidays are a good time to give extra effort to that goal. Focus on the kids needs and put aside any unresolved issues or problems in the divorce.
Co-parenting is another way to make the first holiday apart easier on children. When one parent cannot be there, the other can create some unity by scheduling phone time in a separate room for the child and their unavailable mom or dad. Another suggestion is to help the child remember the parent who cannot be present by helping them make or find a gift to give them when they reunite. Even though it may be difficult, it is important to remember that while the husband-wife relationship will come to an end, the parent-child one does not.
Another way to keep the focus on the holidays is to plan ahead in order to avoid any complications that could arise from miscommunications. And lastly, keep to the schedule that you decide by arriving on time and only altering a plan in the event of an emergency.
Source: WPTV.com “Keeping the ‘joy’ in the holiday season for families of divorce” Connie Colla 12/15/10