Getting Through the Holiday Season: Tips for Divorcing Parents

 Posted on November 13, 2020 in Divorce

If you are a parent who is recently separated or is planning to divorce, you probably have concerns about the upcoming holiday season. You may be especially concerned about how your children will deal with the holidays. Between COVID-19 concerns, remote learning at school, and your divorce, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to make the best of the situation. Fortunately, there is a good deal of research about how to alleviate the stress caused by divorce and the holidays.

Make Detailed Holiday Co-Parenting Plans

Divorcing parents in Illinois must submit a “parenting plan” that describes how parental responsibilities and parenting time will be allocated to each parent. If the parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court may determine a suitable plan for them. If you have not yet filed for divorce, you may not have any formal parenting plans in place. In order to reduce the chances of conflict and confusion during the holidays, make a plan with your spouse ahead of time about how you will share custody. Include the days and times that the children will stay with each parent, how the children will be transported between homes, and other relevant information.

Start a New Family Tradition

It is likely that this holiday season will be totally different than past holiday seasons. Instead of mourning the loss of the past, try to make new holiday memories. Many divorcing parents use divorce as an opportunity to create a new family tradition. It could be anything from a special meal to a board game, to a holiday movie night. Planning fun activities will help keep your mind and your children’s minds off of the separation.

Commit to Being Respectful to Your Spouse

Depending on the circumstances that led to the end of your marriage, you may feel a great deal of anger toward your spouse. Although it can be difficult, it is important not to let this bitterness cause you to make decisions that could negatively influence the divorce. Avoid posting disparaging comments about your spouse on social media or starting arguments with him or her. This can cause more tension in an already difficult situation. In extreme cases, confronting your soon-to-be-ex could even lead to accusations of domestic abuse.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce with children brings additional difficulties – legally and emotionally. In addition, the holidays can be challenging when trying to co-parent. For help with concerns related to parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, and more, contact A. Traub & Associates. Call our office today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a confidential consultation with a qualified and compassionate Arlington Heights, IL divorce attorney from our firm.

Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/frawleypollock/2019/12/17/co-parenting-tips-for-the-holidays/
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.7