If you and your spouse separated or got divorced in the last year, the upcoming holiday season may bring about a whole new set of questions and challenges for you when it comes to planning activities for your kids.
The usual family traditions you shared as a married couple with your children will naturally change, while your desire to enjoy certain traditions with your kids remains. Conscious planning and cooperation during this time can go a long way toward creating joy and minimizing stress for your children, yourself and your former spouse.
Taking a kid-centered approach
U.S. News and World Report recommends that separated or divorced parents make the commitment to put the best interests of their children at the heart of every decision made during the holidays. Despite how much a parent might want to participate in a certain event, if it causes more stress or overly packs young children’s schedules, it may be best for everyone to make some changes or forgo the event at least for this year.
Coparenting and planning ahead
The more you and your former spouse can collaborate on activities and schedules for your kids in advance, the more you can help your children know what to expect when. They can have things to look forward to and trust that they won’t be run ragged trying to fit in two of every activity just to accommodate both parents.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give residents in Illinois some ideas on how they may help their children navigate a first holiday season after a parental separation or divorce.
