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Co-Parenting Tips for the Holidays

Holidays, for children of divorce, are just plain hard. The holiday season can remind them that their family is divided, and they may feel they are being pulled in every direction. Consider these holiday co-parenting tips to make the season bright for your kids:

 

Prioritize Your Kids. Using the kids’ experience as your starting point will help you to guide decisions from a centered place. For example, if you are trying to squeeze in four different family celebrations in one day to give everyone time with the kids, you should take a minute and imagine the experience from your child’s point of view. Make sure that your child gets time to relax and make memories with the family.

Combine the Old and New. Children love traditions, so this year combine old traditions with new ones in each household.

Coordinate the Gifts. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or any holiday that involves gifts, talk to your co-parent and divide your children’s wish list. If this becomes a battle or a contest, it is only your child who will suffer.

Guilt-Free Communication. Allow your children to talk to you about their holiday experience with the other parent without feeling guilty.