Helping Your Children Survive the Holidays During Divorce

Going through a divorce is extremely difficult for your children, especially during the holidays. What is supposed to be a season filled with joy and cheer has become a time filled with sadness and uncertainty.

On top of going through the legal process, there are many seasonal events you and your children may have to attend, such as holiday parties, school programs, children’s plays, and gift exchanges. Although surviving the holidays during divorce can be an arduous task, you have an opportunity to help your kids get into the holiday spirit and even make them mentally and emotionally stronger when the new year arrives.

The following are several ways you can help your children deal with divorce during the holidays:

• Make holiday plans well in advance – While it may be the last thing on your mind to communicate with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, both of you will always be parents to your children, which means both of you will still be part of each other’s lives. Working together to create a holiday schedule not only helps you avoid arguments and misunderstandings, but it can also help you learn how to effectively co-parent your kids.
• Ask your children what they want to do – Since everything in your kids’ lives is changing, giving them a voice in the holiday planning can provide them with some form of control. Recommend certain holiday traditions to let them know some things will never change. On the other hand, old traditions may remind them of the past and stir up negative emotions, so give them an opportunity to create new traditions.
• Allow your children to express themselves – If your kids are feeling sad, let them talk about how they feel, rather than telling them to feel better. Let them know while things are tough now, you and the other parent will always love them and will be a part of their lives no matter what happens.
• Surround yourselves with loved ones – Being around family and friends can distract you and your children from the divorce process and help all of you get out of a funk.
• Take care of yourself – While you may wish the best for your children, you must do the same for yourself. If you’re having a hard time going through the divorce, then they will as well. Get enough sleep, stick to a healthy diet, exercise, and enjoy some fun time for yourself. Positive energy can be infectious.

For more information about divorce in Fort Worth, contact The Clark Law Firm today at (817) 435-4970 and schedule a complimentary consultation.