How to Help Your Kids Through Your Divorce During the Holidays
Divorce can be especially challenging for kids during the holidays. As you navigate this difficult time, it is important to prioritize your kid’s emotional well-being during and after the holidays. Here are some suggestions our clients have found helpful during the holiday season.
When you can listen to your kids without judgment and allow them to express their feelings about the changes in your family, it can be very healing for everyone in the family. Avoiding speaking negatively about your ex in front of your children can help maintain stability and respect.
When discussing holiday plans, doing so privately without your children present can avoid unnecessary stressors. Consider inviting your ex to a family holiday event if possible. This shows your children you can unite as a family, even if things change.
Create new holiday traditions with your children and give them a voice in planning these activities. This can help them feel more in control of the situation. Maintain some familiar routines, as consistency can be grounding for children during times of change. Build in downtime amidst the holiday bustle, as your children may need extra time to process their emotions.
By prioritizing your children’s well-being and choosing a collaborative approach, you and your spouse can make the holiday season – and your divorce process – smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
Our team of experts can help you and your spouse create a holiday custody plan that is mutually agreeable for everyone, including your children.
The Collaborative Practice of San Diego is a nonprofit, multi-disciplinary referral network of independent professionals of attorneys, mental health professionals and financial advisors working together to learn, practice, and promote Collaborative processes for problem-solving and the peaceful resolution of family law issues in regard to co-parenting, with an eye toward preserving the emotional, as well as the financial assets of the family.
Contact us today to learn how to develop a custody plan for the holidays that helps make your holidays memorable!
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.
