Many parents describe co-parenting in Virginia as a nightmare. Still, some divorce amicably or learn to get along after the marriage ends. If you are one of the people in the latter groups, you may believe that you have finally settled into a good routine. That is, however, until the holidays come around.
The holiday season is a time of togetherness. It can make it a difficult time for the children, yourself and even your ex. Here are some tips from Forbes to help you through this.
Make use of solo holiday celebrations
To be fair to the children and themselves, many parents split specific holidays with the kids. That means the kids may spend Thanksgiving with Mom and then head on over to Dad’s for Christmas. When it is your turn to spend the holidays alone, enjoy the moment. Go out with your friends and spend the night out on the town guilt-free with no need to hire a babysitter.
Consider joint celebrations
Some kids detest the idea of celebrating with just one parent. Sometimes the kids do not mind, but the parents feel guilty. Whatever the reason, you may consider celebrating holidays together. There is no need to make this a weekend or all-day affair. Go out to the movies together or visit the local fair. The non-custodial parent may also come by with gifts and either stay for dinner or leave.
Focus on the time ahead
The holidays are when even bitterly divorced spouses begin to feel lonely. You may miss family traditions that are too painful to carry on. This may cause you to focus on what you lost. However, it is important to also focus on what you gained. The kids now have more one-on-one time with each parent, and you get some personal time.
Coupling co-parenting with divorce during the holidays is a tough order. Thankfully, with time, it gets easier.
