As the holiday season approaches rapidly, many of us are worried about buying gifts, getting decorations put up and how to make it to all those parties. For some, especially those who are divorced or separated with children, the holidays can create a whole different host of problems.
As the holiday season approaches rapidly, many of us are worried about buying gifts, getting decorations put up and how to make it to all those parties. For some, especially those who are divorced or separated with children, the holidays can create a whole different host of problems. The holidays epitomize family and love. Stress-free and happy holidays unfortunately do not happen as planned. The holiday season may possibly lead to more animosity than good memories. When child custody is a problem during the regular year, it can definitely be a problem during the holidays.
A child should always see the best side of both parents but especially during the holiday season. It is important to create a holiday visitation schedule that works for everyone. As your prepare your child holiday visitation schedule, consider your child's well-being and feelings and use the following to ensure that this year's holidays are great:
Let your child have a voice – Your child needs to have a voice. Let your child speak up and tell you what he or she wants. Your child needs to know that it is okay to make decisions and that those decisions are important.
Use a prepared parenting plan – You may already have a parenting plan. Use it during the holidays too. It can be used as a primary or back-up to your holiday visitation schedule. The plan may include spending holidays all together or alternating years for major holidays. Remember to include family and friend visits in your plan.
Prepare in advance – While you can control many holiday events and circumstances, there may be some holiday events that cannot be controlled. Waiting until the last minute to make plans can lead to missed time you could have spent with your child or missed events.
Align your priorities – There may be many events your child wants to attend and sometimes not all of them can attended. It is okay to say 'no' to events that are not as important as others. Prioritize events so your child can attend the most important ones.
Stay flexible – Keep your schedule flexible and be willing to compromise on things. Nothing ever works out perfectly. There may be events planned at school or with friends that interfere with your own plans or it may be too stressful to have everyone, including extended family and friends, meet on the same day.
Keep a positive attitude – The holidays will make lasting memories for your child. Your child will recall if you were negative or if you personalized the holiday.
The holiday season is a time your child will remember. Create a child holiday visitation schedule which works for everyone and enjoy this holiday season.
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