3 Sources Of Holiday Co-Parenting Stress And How To Deal With Them

You know you are an adult once the holidays become stressful instead of fun.  Many types of holiday stress, such as being in close quarters with your know-it-all siblings or enduring sideways glances from your sister-in-law about your baby’s fondness for formula while your mother bombards you with unsolicited advice about weight loss, can be successfully managed by drowning your sorrows in a bowl of peppermint stick ice cream.  Co-parenting with your ex-spouse during the holidays, however, is a whole new level of frustration.  All of the events that used to be joyful, such as decorating the tree and watching your kids open their presents, are shot through with feelings of anger, guilt, and helplessness.  If your ex is driving you crazy this holiday season, take a few deep breaths and remember that soon you will be back to your usual co-parenting routine, but if your co-parenting problems run deeper than that, contact a Birmingham child custody lawyer.

Your Ex Includes a New Main Squeeze at Holiday Festivities

It is stressful for children when parents introduce them to a new romantic partner, a new stepparent-to-be.  The holidays are the worst time to do this.  If you are dating someone new and want to introduce your partner to your kids, the time to do it is over hot chocolate at the mall a week before Christmas, not while opening presents on Christmas morning; it is a red flag if your new sweetheart insists on being included in all family activities so soon.  If your ex is the one who brings a new partner to family holiday events, empathize with your children, and try not to show your anger.  Encourage them to give your ex’s new partner a chance, but acknowledge that your ex made a bad choice by making Christmas the time for introductions.  Also, try not to gloat about how your kids are having a much better holiday with you this year than with your ex.

You’re Broke, and It’s All Your Ex-Spouse’s Fault

Financial stress is doubly painful during the holidays, and divorce makes everyone’s financial stress worse.  Even if the judge agrees with you that your financial woes are largely your ex-spouse’s fault, put on your grateful face in front of your children, and enjoy the music, the family togetherness, and all the things that money can’t buy.

Your Ex and Your Former In-Laws Try to Make Last Minute Changes to Your Holiday Plans

It is frustrating when your ex makes last-minute changes to your plans, and flaky exes tend only to get flakier when relatives visit from out of town.  Your best defense, in this case, is a parenting plan that clearly states which parent is with the children on which days.

Contact Peeples Law About Getting Through the Holidays After Divorce

A Birmingham family law attorney can help you modify or enforce your parenting plan, including the holiday-related provisions.  Contact Peeples Law today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

kidcentraltn.com/support/full-family-support/tips-for-co-parenting-during-the-holidays-.html