The holidays and stress go hand-in-hand; between the gift shopping, family
visits, vacation plans, and many other added factors, the challenges may
seem endless. If you have just completed a divorce, then you will likely
also have a number of new difficulties when it comes to the holidays on
your own. The same can be said for your children, who will also be experiencing
the holidays with separated parents for the first time, which can be frightening
and stressful.
Let’s take a look at a few tips for parents to help their children
adapt to the holidays after a divorce.
Keep Your Children First
Your children may be the hardest impacted by a divorce during the holidays
because celebrating together as a family may be all they have ever known.
So it’s important to keep their needs in mind when making plans
for your first holiday season as a separated family. Give your kids a
voice and let them weigh in on the plans you and your spouse make; find
out what they would like to do or what their favorite traditions are and
try to make them happen if they are reasonably possible.
Don’t Compete Over your Children
Sadly, holiday gifts sometimes become a competition between parents for
who can guy the most expensive and lavish gift for their children. While
they may feel happy to receive something they’ve wanted, the obvious
competition between their parents is not lost on them, and in many cases
makes them attribute their gift to their family issues.
Instead, work with your spouse and coordinate on gifts. This can help you
avoid duplicates, but also set a precedent for how much you wish to spend.
Money is usually tight after a divorce, so it’s important to choose
gifts that won’t break the bank and still allow you to meet your
monthly expenses.
Create a Schedule and Stick To It
One way to relieve some of the stress of the holidays after your divorce
is to create a schedule ahead of time, be flexible in doing so, and then
sticking to that plan. This can clear up some of the mystery of the holidays
for your kids and allow them to become excited in anticipation of what’s
ahead rather than anxious at the mystery. Of course, plans can change,
but remaining flexible and sticking to your word can go a long way towards
helping your children with their first post-divorce holidays.
If you need assistance with a family law matter, be it a divorce, child
custody, spousal maintenance, or any other legal need, the skilled Jonesboro
family attorneys at
Ford & Cook, PLC may be able to help. We understand that laws protect you, which is why
we have dedicated our practice to standing by our clients and ensuring
that they receive the best possible representation throughout their case.
Call Ford & Cook, PLC today at 870.853.3621 to
schedule a consultation for your family law needs!