Divorced Dad Holiday Tips to Put Your Children First
The holidays are magical for kids. They can be very rewarding for parents too, but keep in mind that the needs of the children should come first.
In this Divorced Fathers Rights guide we give you tips will allow you to enjoy the holiday season with your children while making sure their needs are met.
1. Be Positive, Pleasant and Peaceful
When divorce is part of the equation, things can get stressful and heated in a hurry, especially when there is ongoing anger and bitterness between the ex-spouses. Don’t let negative attitudes invade the holidays and threaten to ruin them.
Maintain a positive frame of mind. If you would benefit from seeing a counselor to work through your feelings, you’ll be doing your kids a great service if you do so. Be pleasant to your ex-wife and refuse to argue, even if she tries to pick a fight.
2. Cooperate with your Ex-Wife/Co-Parent
Looking at your kids’ mom as your co-parent rather than your ex-wife might be a good attitude adjustment that will lead to benefits for the children.
Ahead of the holidays, get your ex-wife on the phone when the kids are not around either one of you or communicate via email. Decide on a plan for visitation and activities that puts the kids first. Be flexible. If the kids have a big holiday party, for example, on the Saturday they are supposed to be with you, be willing to trade some time so that they can attend their event without guilt.
3. Don’t Speak Negatively About their Mother
You probably won’t win any points with the kids and might do harm instead. The children should be encouraged to have a good relationship with both of their parents. That is what is in their best interest.
4. Consider Time Together with your Co-Parent
If the children are in the holiday program at school or where they attend religious services, you and your ex-wife might decide to attend together as a way to show the children harmony. If it wouldn’t be awkward, going out for a meal afterward together to celebrate their involvement might be a very welcome experience. The children don’t have to think you’re getting back together, but it would be nice if they believed you were at least friends.
As long as your guiding principle is to put the children first, you and your ex-wife/co-parent will make good decisions about time and activities this holiday season.
If you need more tips for handling child visitation, child support, child custody issues, how to get legal advice or just need answers on your state laws, please visit the helpful guides on this site.