As the holiday season approaches, it is important for parents to realize that the things they do during this time can have a profound effect on their children, especially if their parents are divorced. The holiday season is a time during which children have a lot of expectations and hopes. Younger children might wait eagerly to see what Santa brings. Older children might look forward to showing their parents the part they have in a school program. Ensuring that the child can enjoy the magic of the season is important for parents.
If you and the child’s other parent aren’t in a relationship, you can still work together to make the holidays memorable. It is important that you and your ex don’t use the season to argue and fight. Instead, keep things civil if you end up at events together.
Your child might have some special events for the holiday, such as school plays, that he or she might want you and your ex to attend. During these events, keep the focus on your child. This means that you won’t be preoccupied with any issues that you and your ex need to work out.
On the day of the holiday, your child might want to speak to the other parent. You should work on finding ways to make this happen. If you and your ex can get along for a little bit, you might consider inviting him or her over to make the holiday really special. Can you imagine your child’s reaction to waking up on Christmas morning knowing that both parents are there? It would probably be an amazing memory.
If there are things that you can’t work through together, you might need to turn to the court to get the matters settled. Holiday issues should be addressed as early as possible so that you have a plan for this already stressful time.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Putting Children First: The Best Gift Divorced Parents Can Give Their Children This Holiday Season,” Randi L. Rubin, accessed Nov. 16, 2016