Divorce and Surviving the Holidays with Children

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Divorce and Surviving the Holidays with Children

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  613 220 6008
  
  

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Getting through the holiday season can be
difficult for people who are going through a
divorce or separation. It can be especially hard
on minor children too, because the family
traditions they have come to enjoy are no longer
going to be possible now that their parents are
divorced.

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  613 220 6008

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But that does not mean you and your children
cannot have still have an enjoyable festive time.
It just means the family dynamic has changed from
what it was in the past. One of the biggest
mistakes parents make is focusing on what is best
for them, which is not necessarily best for their
children.

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  613 220 6008

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This is not fair for the children. It can result
in them becoming anxious, stressed, and moody.
Instead, when making plans, including visitation
schedules, parents should take the time to ask
whether what is being proposed is really in the
best interests of the children. It is very likely
both parents will need to be somewhat flexible
and willing to make scheduling adjustments.

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  613 220 6008

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For instance, deciding which parent the children
will be with on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
can lead to big arguments between separated and
divorced couples. Depending upon how far apart
the parents live from each other, it could be
possible one parent will not be with their
children on those days.

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008

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But that does not mean you still cannot celebrate
the holiday with your children. Many divorced
parents come up with their own special holiday
celebrations and new traditions to address
visitation schedules.

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008

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For instance, the parents might agree the
children do not have be dropped off until later
in the evening on Christmas Eve, thus allowing
for plenty of time to have dinner and open
presents before taking the children to the other
parents home. Work on developing the idea of
having two Christmas celebrations.

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  613 220 6008

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An arrangement could be worked out that if the
children spend most of Christmas Eve with one
parent, then the other parent could have them in
the late afternoon on Christmas Day and all day
on Boxing Day. Regardless of what is worked out,
parents have to be realistic and do not try to
make unreasonable demands that might put pressure
on the children.

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008

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Another mistake parents tend to make is not
listening to the wishes of their children.
Depending upon the age of the minor children, the
parents might want to ask where they want to
spend their time, without trying to make them
feel pressured or guilty.  Once the parents find
out what they want, then sit down and work out a
schedule that works best for everyone.

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008

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If you only have your children for a short period
of time over the holidays, avoid trying to
schedule too many activities and events. Again,
ask your children what they want to do. They
might just want to curl up with their parent by
the fire and watch a movie or play a board game.
For them, this could be all they desire for the
perfect holiday- to spend time with you.

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008

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For legal advice and assistance with separation,
divorce, child custody and visitation, and other
family law matters, do not hesitate to contact
our Ottawa family lawyers at Davies Law Firm at
613-688-0462 today!  Source-
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ing-the-holidays-with-children/

• www.daviesdivorcelaw.com/
  613 220 6008