4 Tips for Handling Divorce During the Holidays
Going through a divorce during the holidays will make things feel different. But with some planning and a focus on your family, you can help make this holiday season easier, especially if you have kids.
Here are four simple ways to help you through this time.
1. Keep Your Kids’ Interests First
If you have children, prioritize their experience and feelings. The holidays will be emotional for them as they adjust to new routines. Try to create a plan that allows your children to spend time with both parents. If possible, try to celebrate parts of the holidays together. When children see their parents cooperating, even in small ways, it reassures them that they are still loved by both of you, despite the changes that are occurring.
Doing things like opening gifts together, lighting candles, or sharing a meal may seem small but can help your children feel connected and secure. By showing a united front during the holidays, you communicate that family love is still present, even if it now looks different.
2. Prepare for Solo Holiday Time
If this is your first holiday season apart, you will likely find yourself spending some time alone while your children are with their other parent. This time without your children can be difficult, so plan to make it easier on yourself. Surround yourself with supportive friends or family members and try to use the time for activities you enjoy. Having a positive attitude about this time will make it easier to adjust, both for you and your children.
3. Plan with Balance in Mind
To avoid confusion and potential conflicts, discuss the holiday schedule with your co-parent well ahead of the holidays. Many families alternate holidays each year or split them so both parents have time with the kids. For instance, one parent may have Christmas Eve while the other has Christmas Day. Alternating or sharing these times can make it feel more balanced and keep things simple for everyone.
Remember that big changes, like dividing holidays, will take some getting used to. Try to be flexible with your co-parent and, if possible, stick to a balanced plan that meets everyone’s needs.
4. Explain Changes to Your Children
Children don’t decide the terms of a divorce, and it can be confusing for them to understand why things are different. Let them know that even though life has changed, both you and their other parent love them and will always be there for them. This reassurance is especially important in the first year as everyone adjusts to the new family routines.
Contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin
If you are going through a divorce this holiday season and it feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to go through it alone. The Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin offer compassionate and experienced guidance to help you find the best solutions for your family. Contact us at (305) 448-1555 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to support you and your family through every step of this transition.
Bob Merlin is a Florida Bar Board Certified Family Law Specialist, he practices in the areas of divorce, time-sharing of children and parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation/partnership agreements.
As an experienced Collaborative attorney, Bob continually hones his skills in the Collaborative Process and trains other professionals how to become a Collaborative professional as he is.
“My goal is to help divorcing and other family law clients make well-informed decisions so they experience a more efficient process and feel more in control over their futures.”
