On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Thursday, October 25, 2012.
Halloween, which many consider the start of the holiday season, is just days away. For parents who went through a divorce in the past year, this can be a tough time, especially if for the first time in years each is forced to not spend the holiday with their kids.
But fear not. There are plenty of divorced parents in Missouri who are able to not only survive the holidays, they are able to do it while spending time with their children and building new memories.
The first thing to keep in mind is that holidays build childhood memories. You want these memories to be ones of building snowmen with dad and baking cookies with mom, not of both parents screaming at each other or saying negative things about the parent that is not around. Rather, keep in mind that life goes on after divorce and provide a stable, loving household for your children when they are at your house.
Also keep in mind that while having the kids for Halloween might be favorable, it is not always possible. But keep in mind that it’s only one day. Rather, spend more time celebrating the season. This means going pumpkin picking, volunteering at a soup kitchen together before Thanksgiving or getting involved in attractions around town during the holiday season. These can all be done all throughout the season and not just on one specific day.
Lastly, take a look at family holiday traditions. Realize that continuing them may be hard or even bring up the hurtful fact that the family is no longer together. This may mean the best thing going forward is to blend old and new traditions.
Source: The Huffington Post, “O, Come All ye Newly Single Parents: How to Get Through the Holidays Without Singing The Blues,” Christina Pesoli, Oct. 19, 2012
