Many Kentucky families endure a certain amount of stress during the holidays. Seasonal activities can be even more emotional following the end of a marriage that produced children. Added tension may also be created because of the increased contact between former spouses as kids get shuffled back and forth between separate homes more often, especially when there’s an extended break from school. However, if divorced parents have a mutually acceptable plan in place, the holidays may be more joyous and less stressful for children.
The first thing parents are encouraged to do, especially if a divorce is fairly recent, is to put the interests of their children first. This commonly involves putting aside lingering animosity so that parents’ personal feelings towards one another don’t influence decisions about holiday arrangements with their kids. Achieving this goal sometimes requires leaning on friends for support or turning to a professional therapist.
Kids tend to find it easier to adjust to changing traditions and a different holiday schedule if they know what to expect. Parents may be able to provide added clarity by discussing arrangements with pick-ups and drop-offs, where children will be staying during days off from school and how holiday celebrations and gatherings will be handled. Furthermore, it’s usually best if parents avoid questioning kids about their time with an ex-spouse unless they can do so in a way that’s supportive and free of judgment.
A family law attorney may get involved with parental disagreements during the holidays or any other time if there are serious issues with visitation schedules or custody arrangements. Should there be the discussion of a possible agreement modification, a lawyer may first attempt to work out differences between parents without turning to the courts or a state agency. However, if negotiations are unproductive, a lawyer might suggest a formal modification of an existing agreement.
The first thing parents are encouraged to do, especially if a divorce is fairly recent, is to put the interests of their children first. This commonly involves putting aside lingering animosity so that parents’ personal feelings towards one another don’t influence decisions about holiday arrangements with their kids. Achieving this goal sometimes requires leaning on friends for support or turning to a professional therapist.
Kids tend to find it easier to adjust to changing traditions and a different holiday schedule if they know what to expect. Parents may be able to provide added clarity by discussing arrangements with pick-ups and drop-offs, where children will be staying during days off from school and how holiday celebrations and gatherings will be handled. Furthermore, it’s usually best if parents avoid questioning kids about their time with an ex-spouse unless they can do so in a way that’s supportive and free of judgment.
A family law attorney may get involved with parental disagreements during the holidays or any other time if there are serious issues with visitation schedules or custody arrangements. Should there be the discussion of a possible agreement modification, a lawyer may first attempt to work out differences between parents without turning to the courts or a state agency. However, if negotiations are unproductive, a lawyer might suggest a formal modification of an existing agreement.
