With the holidays quickly approaching, many co-parents are preparing to navigate the holiday season together. If you are divorced or in the process of divorcing, it is vital to have a game plan for how you will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
This can be an especially difficult time for children who must adjust to having two homes and separate family traditions. Here are some tips for making the holidays as stress-free as possible for your kids.
Remember to communicate
The holidays can be a challenging time for co-parents. Between work and family commitments, finding time to coordinate schedules can be difficult. However, it is essential to communicate with your co-parent about holiday plans to ensure that everyone has a chance to spend time with the children.
It can also be tough to figure out the best way to split up the holiday season. One option is for each parent to celebrate with the children in alternate years. This way, the children can experience both family traditions and create new ones with each parent.
You should also agree on a budget ahead of time and stick to it. This will help ensure that both parents are on the same page regarding holiday spending and prevent any financial disagreements from arising.
Avoid trying to outdo each other. The holidays are about family, love, and togetherness, not who can give the biggest or best gifts. Instead of competing with each other, try to focus on creating positive memories for your children. Plan special activities you can do together as a family, such as going for a walk in the park or decorating gingerbread houses.
The holidays can be a difficult time for divorced or separated parents. By following the tips above, you can make co-parenting during the holidays a little easier for everyone involved. It may be challenging, but it’s worth it when you see your children happy and healthy during the holidays.