Ten Ways to Make the Holidays Easier on Children

Holidays are stressful under the best circumstances. For kids of divorced parents, the stress can be multiplied. Holidays can be painful.

In this Divorced Fathers Rights article we will outline 10 ways you can make the holidays better for your children this year.

Cooperate with your Ex

Work together with your ex to plan a schedule and activities that puts the needs of the kids first.

Don’t try to Outgive Each Other

Parents should not use the holidays to try to win their kids’ affection or outdo the other parent. Decide on a dollar amount with your ex-spouse that you’ll both spend and stick to it.

Limit Travel

Spending time with both sides of the family is important, but travel is stressful so limit it where possible.

Be Flexible with Visitation

During the holidays is not the time to be ultra-strict with visitation schedules and times. Again, if you and your ex are willing to cooperate in this, instead of alienating the other parent, it will make it much easier on the kids.

Keep Family Rituals

Tradition is a huge part of the holidays. If kids feel like traditions have been thrown out the window with the divorce, it will make it harder on them.

Start New Traditions Too

If your ex got the holiday decorations, don’t complain about it to the kids. But feel free to buy some of your own. Get the kids involved. Pick a fun, delicious meal to be the annual “holiday meal” in your home. Be creative!

Talk with your Kids

Have an age-appropriate chat with your kids to reassure them that while the living arrangement has changed, things will be okay and better days are ahead.

Serve Others

Helping kids see the challenges of others will put their own in perspective. Consider volunteering to serve meals or pass out gifts at a shelter.

Avoid Squabbles Over Religion

If you and your ex disagree on religious traditions during the holidays, fighting about them won’t help. If your traditions are different, arguing might lead kids to reject both.

Plan Relaxation

Don’t allow your schedule with the kids to be so full there isn’t time to relax. Plan downtime where they can rest and where the focus can be more on relationships than on activity or material things.