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 recently divorced parents.
Most parents struggle through the first few holiday seasons after a divorce or separation occurs as they adjust to new holiday schedules and traditions. It can also be very difficult to spend the holidays away from your children. This is especially true around Christmas time.
However, it’s important to remember whose vacation it really is: your children. A Huffington Post article recently provided some great advice on putting kids first and managing parenting time during the holidays and the holiday season. A link to this article is posted at the end of this article for you to read.
First, the article says 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 parenting disputes.
Second, if there is any confusion about who should have the children and when, consult your divorce decree. The decree will most likely provide specific instructions on what has been determined to be in the best interest of children when dividing up vacation time. If you anticipate or experience problems, it would be wise to talk to your Orlando family or Orlando divorce attorney about your concerns.
Next, it’s smart to start planning ahead for a holiday parenting schedule. in advance. With Christmas just a few weeks away, now is the time to set up a vacation schedule for parents if you haven’t already. Then, make sure your kids and family know what your holiday plans are so they feel prepared.
Finally, don’t put vacations in competition with your ex-husband or ex-wife. Divorced parents tend to want to “outdo” the other parent during the holidays by buying more gifts or celebrating more extravagantly, but it’s never a good idea to try to buy your children’s love in any situation, including the upcoming holidays.
These are great tips for divorced parents to keep in mind during the holiday season. Although this can be a difficult transition at first, you can be sure 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