Post-divorce holiday parenting tips

The holiday season is officially upon us, and while this can be an exciting and magical time of year, it can also be a stressful time, especially for parents who have recently gone through divorce.
Most parents struggle the first few holiday seasons after a divorce or separation as they get used to new schedules and traditions. It can also be very difficult to spend the holidays away from the children.
However, it is important to remember who the holidays are really about: your kids. An article from the Huffington Post recently provided some good tips on how to put the children first and manage parenting time during the holidays.
First, the article said to make sure that the children remain the No. 1 priority. It can be easy to get caught up in your own emotions, wants and needs, but putting the kids first means allowing them to spend time with family on both sides and keeping them out of any parenting disputes.
Second, if there is any confusion over who should have the children when, consult your divorce decree. Chances are that the decree provides specific instructions as to what was determined to be in the children’s best interests for dividing holiday time.
Next, it’s smart to start planning out a holiday parenting schedule ahead of time. With Christmas just a few weeks away, now is the time to establish a holiday parents schedule if you haven’t already. Then make sure to let your children know what the plans are so that they can feel prepared.
Finally, don’t make the holidays about competing with your ex. Divorced parents have a tendency to want to “out do” the other parent during the holidays by buying more presents or celebrating more extravagantly, but it’s never a good idea to try to buy your children’s love.
These are great tips for divorced parents to keep in mind over the holiday season. Even though this can be a tough transition in the beginning, rest assured that it will get easier over time after you have created new traditions and memories.