Going through a divorce is never easy, especially around the holidays. It can be hard to know how to help your kids cope with the changes that come with your divorce during such a traditionally family-focused time of year. But there are ways to make this transition easier for them, and for you. Let’s look at some tips for helping your kids adjust to a new holiday routine after your divorce.
Focus on Creating New Holiday Traditions
One of the best ways to help your kids cope with their changing family dynamic is by creating new holiday traditions that will be specific to just the two of you. This could involve activities like baking cookies together, going out for lunch or dinner, watching their favorite holiday movie, visiting a museum or art gallery, getting tickets to an event—the possibilities are endless! The key is to make sure these activities are fun and meaningful and give your children something positive to look forward to during this time of year.
Be Honest With Your Kids About Your Divorce
It’s important that you talk openly with your children about what’s happening in order to help them feel secure and understood during this difficult time. Make sure they know that it’s ok for them to express their feelings and ask questions about what’s going on in their lives right now. Let them know that the changes they’re experiencing don’t mean they have done anything wrong—it simply means that mom and dad have chosen different paths in life from now on.
Set Boundaries With Your Ex-Spouse
It can be hard when it comes time for you and your ex-spouse to decide who will have custody of the children on certain days throughout the holidays. Try not to let emotions get in the way; instead focus on coming up with a plan that works best not only for you but also for the children involved. If possible, try having joint custody so that both parents can spend equal amounts of time with their kids around this special season —setting boundaries ahead of time will help ensure everyone sticks to what has been agreed upon without any surprises along the way. If you need to, talk to a lawyer like those at Tri Cities Law Group to help you set up a custody agreement and set boundaries.
Divorces can be difficult no matter what time of year it is, but it can be especially challenging during the holidays when family is traditionally celebrated together. The most important thing is for you as a parent (or parents) to ensure your children feel secure, loved and supported throughout this transition period —and by following these tips, you can do just that. Despite all of the changes happening in their lives right now, remind them (and yourself!) that there are still many things they can look forward to during this special season— even if things look different than before.
