Navigating The Holidays

The holidays are meant to be a loving and festive time that can be stressful enough without the added layer of co-parenting involved. The last thing anyone wants is to feel lonely, anxious or stressed. However, it is possible to co-parent during the holidays and come out the other side successful.

Co-Parenting Holiday Checklist:

Below are a few ideas to help jumpstart your holiday this year and help navigate this new experience of co-parenting post-divorce:

• Figure out the schedule in advance- Typically this will be decided by the court. You must follow and adhere to the court order at all times. However, there are popular co-parenting apps that can make this less stressful and guide you in the process.
• Coordinate gifts- Consistency is key for the children post divorce. Ideally, you would want to keep the gifts coordinated. Discussing gift giving strategies or complimentary gifts shows a united front in the eyes of your child or children.
• Set expectations- A holiday post divorce holds a different set of expectations. Solidifying in your mind how things will play out can be crucial. This is a different journey for you and your child (or children), so the expectations should also be different.
• Surround yourself with family and friends- Recall a time before your marriage when you simply visited family and friends. Get back in the habit of scheduling visits with your closest friends, they will most likely be more than willing to welcome you!
• Take care of yourself- It’s hard to feel happy when you don’t feel your best. Take this newfound time to yourself to make sure you’re hitting those health benchmarks. It’s also a great time to make health appointments before insurance closes out at year end.
• Plan alternate celebrations- While it’s true that your family’s traditions may change, it’s also a great time to introduce new ones. Plan a “pre” or “post” holiday celebration with your children. Secret Santa or White Elephant parties with friends are always a good time. Have you taken your nieces or nephews to look at neighborhood Christmas lights?

These are just a few ways that you can navigate the holidays while co-parenting. The main takeaway is that the season is still about love. Show it to your children, family, friends and most importantly yourself. This is a new journey that you will get through. It’s just a bit easier when you’re not winging it! If you need a few more ideas, check out this article and put it to good use, you won’t regret it.

Protecting Your Interests

We can also help you navigate the co-parenting process to find the best outcome for your family and children. By allowing us to help protect your interests, you can protect your family. Visit us online or call us at 888-981-7509 to see how we can help!