This may be your first year facing the holidays post-divorce. You are struggling with the challenges of co-parenting, and now the added stress of the holidays is approaching. Or you may be divorced for years and are still searching for a way to have a meaningful and successful holiday season with your children.
At Woodard & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law, our Ormond Beach family law attorneys understand that coordinating schedules for visitation and holiday events can be overwhelming. The emotional turmoil of divorce during the holidays can be difficult for parents and children. Our experienced lawyers would like to offer you strategies to help guide you through a less stressful and more enjoyable holiday experience.
Tips for Co-Parenting During the Holidays:
- Consider Your Children’s Needs First Prioritizing your children’s needs should always be the goal in any planning or decision-making, especially during the holidays. It is important to keep interactions positive and speak respectfully with your ex-spouse in front of your children. Reassure your children that both parents are still working together to plan a joyous and meaningful holiday for them. Children should not feel guilt or anxiety about spending time with either parent. You can show support by helping your children choose a holiday gift for your ex-spouse.
- Plan ahead and Be Willing to Compromise: Even with the best-made plans, the holidays can be unpredictable. Remain flexible with your ex-spouse regarding parenting time. If your children want to attend a celebration with your ex-spouse and it is your day for visitation, perhaps you can trade days. Always give advance notice to the other parent about holiday plans. A shared calendar may be a good way to avoid misunderstandings and conflict.
- Create New Traditions: While certain family traditions may be discontinued, involve your children in making new holiday traditions. Starting a new hobby, making vacation plans, or encouraging them to decorate both parents’ Christmas trees acknowledges that things will be different. However, there can still be plenty of joy during the holidays. Some divorced couples can still spend quality time together with their children. Perhaps you can both be present to open gifts or attend their school festivities.
- Coordinate Gift-Buying with Your Spouse: Holiday gift-buying is not a competition. Discussing your children’s wish list with your ex-spouse is a good idea to prevent duplicate gifts. Consider splitting the cost of the big-ticket items. Do not try to outdo your ex-spouse by buying the expensive and most wanted items, leaving them with buying pajamas. The goal is your children’s happiness and not overshadowing the other parent.
Woodard & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law: Your Trusted Ormond Beach Family Law Attorneys
At Woodard & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with cherished moments with your children that last throughout the New Year. While it can be challenging to co-parent during the holidays, always prioritize your children. If you struggle to align your parenting plan with your family’s needs during this holiday season, we are here to help. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our child custody and visitation attorneys at (386) 677-0822. As lifelong residents of Volusia County, Florida, Attorney David Ferguson and Attorney Katherine Woodard are committed to helping our community’s residents with solutions for complex family law matters.
