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How divorced parents can make holidays less difficult

On Behalf of | Dec 13, 2017 | Divorce

Parents in Virginia who are going through a divorce might struggle during the holiday season, and their children might find the holidays difficult as well. There are steps parents can take to make this time easier for themselves and their children.

The first thing parents must do is focus on the children. The holidays are largely about them, and it can be stressful for children to have to move between their parents’ homes during this time even though they understand that their parents love them. Parents should not overindulge in expensive items in an effort to compensate. Staying within a budget and spending time with children is better.

Parents should also avoid trying to get revenge on the other parent by refusing to be cooperative or flexible. Parents might want to make new traditions to share with their children and replace the old ones. If they are unable to be with their children during the holidays, they might want to spend that time with friends and family. Divorce, and holidays during divorce in particular, can be a difficult emotional time, but the situation does usually improve over time.

Child custody and visitation can be one of the most difficult parts of a divorce to negotiate because parents may be very emotional about it. Although they may understand it is in the child’s best interest to spend time with both parents, it can still be difficult to accept having less time with the child. However, unless the other parent is abusive or endangers the child in some way, it is usually better for the child to have contact with both parents. Parents may want to negotiate their custody and visitation arrangement with their attorneys’ assistance. They might also have a judge decide, but this could lead to a decision they have little input into and with which they are less satisfied.

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