As the end of the year comes round yet again, there’s an expectation for peace and good family time from we parents … and a desire for presents and sweets galore from the children! How do we come together in the compromise and make our shared year end a success of us all? Read on as I share my top 7 tips – hope they’re helpful:
As the end of the year comes round yet again, there’s an
expectation for peace and good family time from we parents … and a desire for
presents and sweets galore from the children! How do we come together in the
compromise and make our shared year end a success of us all? Read on as I share
my top 7 tips – hope they’re helpful:
Get clear about what makes the holidays valuable: Make time to share what you remember about what made
these time special in your childhood. It’s good to have an awareness of
each other’s expectations. Remember that quality beats quantity and
there’s no need to break the bank. Prioritise games and conversation –
it’s a great time to remind yourself of the past year’s successes.
Prepare and plan: Who are you going to send cards and gifts to? With
more thought there can be more meaning – and if you’re really smart this
can bring the price tag down too.
Create a good holiday ambiance at home: Take some time to make paper chains, cards, decorations
for the tree, cinnamon-smelling fruits (if that’s your thing!). Make it a
special time for you and your children to share. Again, these memories
will last for your children and have benefits way beyond the latest
Nintendo.
Have open negotiation with your children’s other
parent about what’s the best design for the holidays: Get the children involved if they’re old enough and
try to come to an agreement ahead of time. Where your children are
younger, both parents would be smart to have a united message about what’s
best for ‘sharing’ holidays.
If you want to have company over the holidays, get
together with friends or with other single parents (or with church if
that’s your thing): It might not
be what you’ve traditionally done, but
there’s no need to be on your own on Christmas day if you want to
have a bit more energy around. There’s no right or wrong way to do holiday
itself. Get creative!
Make an occasion of the simple things: Relax in the afternoon with a great family movie and
a glass of wine. Celebrate every moment.
Congratulate yourself as an amazing parent: Get your nails done, your hair done, have a massage
and a bit of pampering. Whatever it is – while you enjoy the treats remind
yourself that you’ve been outstanding this year and your children are
blessed to have you on their side.
Jennifer Broadley is a
qualified executive coach and the founder of Successful Single Parenting. For
more information and a FR*EE Special Report
“ The 5 Secrets for Successful Single Parenting” visit: http://www.successfulsingleparenting.com
