Things You Can Do to Help Your Minor Children Have a Happy Holiday
Everyone faces a little bit of stress around the holidays, but the end of the year can be a particularly difficult time for children of divorce. The routines that minimize discomfort the rest of the year are often disrupted, and other factors can contribute to anxiety, confusion and emotional pain. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies you can employ to help your children cope and enjoy all the benefits and warmth of the season.
The Challenges Many Kids Face during the Holidays
Studies consistently show the holidays to be one of the most stressful times of the year for children of divorce. Often, parents make decisions about where children will be and when, leaving the children feeling like they have no input. They may feel out of touch with friends and peers, often at a critical time in their lives. They may feel uncomfortable about the whole gift-giving and receiving process, particularly when one parent appears to be trying to outdo the other one.
Tips for Helping Minimize Any Discomfort, Stress or Anxiety Your Children May Face at the Holidays
Many of the most difficult issues a child potentially faces as the year-end holidays can be minimized if the parents take the time to communicate:
- Talk about what’s important to the minor child, as well as what’s in the minor child’s best interests. Know when school or social events are scheduled and be willing to arrange visitation so that your child doesn’t feel left out.
- Consider all the logistics involved with moving the child back and forth between events. It may make sense for the child to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the same parent this year and with the other parent next year, if it means that the child isn’t spending a lot of time traveling, and doesn’t feel like he or she’s missing special family events.
- Talk about the gifts you’ll each be giving the child, so that there’s some parity. Kids get confused and uncomfortable when one parent lavishes them with presents and the other is modest in their gift-giving.
Contact Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen for Guidance in Custody and Visitation Matters
At DTX Family Law, we understand that every divorce or family law matter is unique and will always take the time to learn your specific needs and goals, so that we can work toward a result that is in your best interests. We are proven trial attorneys, with a comprehensive knowledge of what can and cannot be introduced as evidence in a divorce proceeding. Chrysandra is board-certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor earned by less than one of every ten 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.
Handling Divorce and Family Law Matters throughout Denton and the surrounding communities, including Denton, Collin, Wise, Tarrant and Cooke counties, and the cities of New Hope, Lowry Crossing, Fairview, Farmersville, Gainesville, Lindsay, Rosston, Oak Ridge, Callisburg, Muenster, Valley View, Myra, Woodbine, Marysville, Bulcher, Decatur Bridgeport, Rhome, Boyd, Chico, Paradise, Aurora, Alvord, New Fairview, Lake Bridgeport, Arlington, and North Richland Hills