5 Tips for Surviving the Holidays as a Divorced Parent

 Posted on November 30, 2020 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

If you have recently ended your marriage, or if you are currently going through a divorce, you may be dreading the holiday season. As a newly single parent, you may still be adjusting to spending less time with your kids, and the prospect of being alone during a time that had previously been focused on family may have you stressed out. When adding these concerns to the ongoing risks that everyone is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering how you will get through the coming weeks. However, by making the right preparations, you can not only survive the holidays, but you can begin the next year on the right foot.

Suggestions for the Holidays After Your Divorce

Here are some tips you can follow during this time:

1. Plan parenting schedules in advance - You and your former spouse may have already reached an agreement on how your children will divide their time between the two of you, or you may still be hammering out the details of your parenting plan. You will want to be sure to understand which days your children will spend with each of you during the holidays, how children will be transported between your homes, and any other details, allowing you to avoid conflict with your ex. You should also share this schedule with your children so they know what to expect.

2. Keep things simple - You may feel like you should make elaborate plans, buy expensive gifts, and do everything you can to help your children and your family enjoy the holidays. However, this can be very stressful, and making large purchases could put you in a difficult financial position just as you are working to establish yourself as a single person following your divorce. Finding simple, easy ways to enjoy your time with your children can help you promote family togetherness and build lasting memories.

3. Make new holiday traditions - You may not be able to participate in all of the activities you had previously enjoyed with your children, so you can take this opportunity to establish new traditions. These could include working together on handmade holiday decorations, cooking new recipes, or finding movies or games you can enjoy together.

4. Get support from friends and family - If you are feeling lonely during the times when your children are not with you, do not be afraid to reach out to others for help. Even if you are minimizing in-person contact, you can join family members in group video chats, or you can connect with loved ones in other ways, such as playing online video games or chatting with each other on social media while watching the same movie.

5. Take time for yourself - During this busy season, you may want to take some time to decompress when you have the chance. Focusing on doing things you enjoy, making improvements to your home, or simply relaxing with a good book or movie can provide you with some much-needed relief, and it can give you additional energy to help you take care of your kids during your parenting time.

Contact Our Naperville Divorce Attorneys

If you need to address legal issues related to your divorce or your children in addition to the other concerns you are facing during the holidays, the attorneys of Calabrese Associates, P.C. can provide you with legal help and representation. We will answer your questions and work with you to resolve these matters effectively. Contact our DuPage County family law attorneys at 630-393-3111.

Sources:

https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/holiday-tips-single-parents

https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/holidays/making-holiday-schedule.php