Sharing holidays can be hard, especially if you are facing the holiday season without your child. As family law attorneys, we at Coker,Robb & Cannon, Family Lawyers understand what you are going through, which is why we have created this guide to help you get through the holidays when you are separated from your children.
- Explain the plan to your kids: It is important that you talk to your child about how they will be spending their holidays. If they have a calendar, mark the plans there, so they know it is a solid plan. While it is okay to tell your child that you will miss them while they are gone, don’t go so far as to make them feel awful for leaving you alone during the holidays. Focus on how happy you are that they will be having fun with their family. Finally, reassure them that you will celebrate together another day.
- Make new plans with your children: If you split holidays, you can always reschedule a holiday with your child. Children care less about the exact day the holiday is celebrated on and more about celebrating it with their family. Pick a date that works for your children and assure them you will celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukah or Christmas on that day. By putting forth an effort, your child will be reassured that you plan to be a part of their lives.
- Consider spending the holidays together: Some newly divorced parents choose to spend the holidays together for the first few years of their divorce to help their children cope with the divorce.
- Contact your children on the holiday: If you are spending the holiday separated from your children, touch base with them on that day. You can do this by calling him or her on the phone, or if they’re older, sending a quick text. Remember, this is the time your co-parent has to spend with, so don’t make the phone call last hours.
- Schedule plans for yourself: Getting through the holiday season alone can be hard, but the trick is to make sure you plan ahead of time. If your family has a get together for the holidays, get more involved by offering to arrive early and help clean, cook or decorate. Give your friends a call and plan a wrapping party so you can wrap your child’s presents with company. Get involved with your church or synagogue's holiday events.
Remember, the holidays are when you make them, but there are also times when circumstances change and your child custody agreement no longer works for both parents. If your child custody plan is no longer working for you, it may be time modify it. Contact our Frisco & Collin County divorce attorney today to schedule an appointment. (940) 293-2313