Parenting and Holiday Plans: Tips for the Season

The holidays are just around the corner, and for divorced parents — and their children — holiday expectations can add to a season already tinged with possible disappointment. Knowing your legal boundaries and acting civil towards each other can go a long way towards helping you and your child to enjoy the holiday season.

As you prepare for the holidays, take another look at your parenting plan. While a cordial relationship with a former spouse is good for everyone, be sure you understand your rights and child custody obligations under your Judgment of Divorce.

As a divorce and family law firm, we understand the tension that accompanies the divorce process. If you are going through a divorce, or are already divorced with children, consider these tips:

  • Play nice: Though stressful, the holiday season is intended to be a time of good cheer. Give your children something to look forward to by showing respect for them — and your former spouse — if holiday events or verbal slights put you on edge.
  • Avoid competitive gifting: Coordinate with your ex-spouse instead of competing over gifts to your children. You can even think about buying a present for your children together.
  • Be different…or not: Family traditions are a treasure. Keep family traditions alive if they fit your new life. On the other hand, if you do not want to rekindle old memories, make new traditions that reflect your changed family situation.

  • Be careful: The holidays increase tendencies toward depression and domestic violence, in individuals prone to those behaviors. If you endured a high-conflict divorce, or are struggling through divorce now, take care of yourself, and watch out for your children. And, if you feel threatened — or are unfairly accused of threatening behavior — be sure to get good legal help.

‘Tis the season. Our attorneys at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. know that good divorce and parenting agreements make for good holidays. If you need help with a divorce matter this holiday season, call us. We can help.

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