Handling Holidays As A Divorced Parent

As the busy Christmas holidays draw closer, the strain of managing the hectic holiday family demands and schedules on top of a newly separated family can be extremely stressful for both parents and children.

On top of this, separated parents may notice that this time of year is particularly confusing, difficult and emotional for  their children, as the family unit and once normal traditions are rearranged or abandoned.

To make things as stress-free as possible, here are 5 tips on how to keep the holiday cheer alive for you and your children:

1. Begin planning well in advance

As the saying goes “fail to plan, plan to fail”. The earlier you and your co-parent can work out exactly what each one and the children expect out of the holidays the better. This will give you both time to work out the logistics and confirm plans with your extended families.

Related Article: How To Communicate Better With Your Co-Parent

2. Be Flexible

Successful co-parenting requires a certain amount of leniency, compromise and common sense. Negotiating and swapping your time with the children to fit in with family visiting form interstate or other special events, is likely to be in the best interest of your children; find ways for everyone to “win”.

3. Focus on your time with your children

Make the most of your time with your children, to create new traditions, rather than focusing on the time your aren’t with them.

4. Be respectful

Keep your children’s best interest top of mind and recognise that your children have the right to spend time with both parents and their extended families.

5. Create new traditions

Newly separated families have a great opportunity to create new and meaningful traditions with their children. Engage your children to contribute to creating new traditions that are meaningful to them.

The holiday season is often a stressful time for most families, however if you and your co-parent are able to put the children first, whilst rebuilding new traditions and a sense of family, you can make this holiday and future holiday season stress-free and fun for all.

Note: This is general information advice only and does not constitute specific legal advice. If you would like further information in relation to this matter or other legal matters, please contact us on 03 9620 0088 or email info@resolveconflict.com.au