The holidays are times of the year that children usually look forward to. For children who have divorced or separated parents, the holidays can be an especially stressful time. These parents can take steps to ensure that their child doesn’t have to suffer through a stressful holiday season.
One of the most important things to do as the holiday season approaches is to put your child first. Your child shouldn’t have to listen to you and your ex battle things out. If you have any issues to take up with your ex, such as child support arrears, be sure to do so when your child isn’t around to hear.
You should make plans for the holiday season as far in advance as possible. If your child custody order has a holiday schedule, this should be easy since it is spelled out for you. If you don’t have a holiday schedule, you should get with your ex as soon as possible to make a schedule. If you find that you and your ex can’t come to an agreement, you might need to ask the court to help get the issues resolved.
The holiday season is one during which many schools, churches and other groups have special programs or events. If it is possible, your ex should be invited to attend these events. Even if having your ex there isn’t comfortable for you, your child will probably be thrilled to have both parents supporting him or her for the event. In this case, it might be best to just put differences aside and let your child revel in having both parents there.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Putting Children First: The Best Gift Divorced Parents Can Give Their Children This Holiday Season,” Randi L. Rubin, accessed Oct. 27, 2016