Ways that You Can Make the Holidays Brighter after a Divorce

Creating a happy holiday for your children can be particularly challenging in the aftermath of a divorce, but it’s not impossible. If you’re like most parents, you want to put the well-being of your children ahead of any disagreements or disputes you have with your ex. It typically takes some compromise on both sides, but there are ways that you can keep the holidays positive.

The Impact of Divorce on Children during the Holidays

According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the national divorce rate is about 2.4 per 1000, with about one in every three marriages ending in divorce. Though divorce affects everyone, minor children tend to feel it most acutely, often witnessing the end of beloved family traditions while being shuttled back and forth between their parents and other relatives.

Ways that You Can Coparent to Help Your Children Have a Better Experience This Year

Children of divorce typically do better when true coparenting takes place. That means that both parents work cooperatively to work out arrangements the are fair and that give priority to the best interests of the children. This requires open and honest communication and an acknowledgement that both parents must make concessions. Some ways to effectively coparent at the holidays include:

  • Alternating holidays every year—Identify the major holidays and rotate where minor children will spend them each year
  • Split time on the holiday—Have the children spend the morning with one parent and the evening with the other
  • If possible, create a low stress joint celebration—It works best if it’s a simple celebration, perhaps with a shared meal. Bringing gifts into the mix can be a challenge, as it can lead to unintentional comparisons or competition between parents
  • Allowing children to have time with the other parent without interference—Don’t call or send text messages to a child while they are with the other parent. Let them have their time together.

Contact DTX Family Law for Guidance in a Texas Divorce

At DTX Family Law, we always give top priority to the needs and best interests of our clients. We know that the legal process can be complex and confusing, and we’ll carefully explain your rights and options, as well as your chances of success, so that you can make good decisions for you and your family. Chrysandra is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten family law attorneys in the state. To schedule an appointment with a proven and effective Texas family lawyer, visit our website or call our offices at 940-566-0606. We can help you determine whether an agreement incident to divorce is in your best interests and can draft one for you, if necessary.

Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties, as well as the cities of Flower Mound, Highland Village, Bartonville, Lake Dallas, Corinth, Frisco, Northlake, Trophy Club, Haslet, Justin, Ponder, Coppell, The Colony, Lantana, Argyle, Roanoke, Copper Canyon, Hickory Creek, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Allen, Princeton, Anna, Lavon, Melissa, Parker, Lavon, Westminster and Weston