The holidays can be especially tough for divorced parents in Texas. While you want to present a unified front for the sake of your kids, doing is often easier said than done. To help you get along this holiday season, CNN offers the following tips.
Plan ahead
Working out the logistics is often the toughest part of holiday planning post-divorce. Get to planning as soon as possible so that you and your ex have an idea of the kids’ schedule throughout the holiday season. If you must negotiate, try to keep an open mind and be flexible to your exes requests. Also, it’s important that you stick to any agreed-upon schedules as much as humanly possible. In the event you must be late, be sure to inform the other parent in a timely manner.
Focus on your children
Never put your kids in the middle of a dispute about the holidays. The goal should be to ensure your children have a good time at both parents’ houses, no matter how you feel about the matter. Holiday memories can last a lifetime, and if your child looks back and thinks poorly of what occurred it can actually damage your relationship.
Spend some time apart
Be honest about how much time you’re able to spend with your ex over the holidays. If you’re constantly fighting or unable to agree on certain things it will only cause ill-feelings among your kids. While some families are comfortable spending time together after a divorce it’s not ideal for everyone. Also, it may take you some time to get to that point and rushing it will only make the situation more uncomfortable.