The holiday season is traditionally seen as a time of good cheer. For some families in Florida this holiday season will be the first one that they will go through in the aftermath of a divorce. In addition to the sense of loss and frustration that accompanies divorce, families will have to figure out the logistics of celebrating the holidays in two different locations, often shuttling children back and forth between different homes. While trying to understand and handle their own emotions, parents will also need to be a source of comfort to their children.
For some divorced parents who are going through the holiday season for the first time, there is a sense of agony that comes from figuring out how to maintain the traditional sense of joy and good cheer that surrounds the holiday while at the same time deal with the reality of their divorce. There is no clear guideline or playbook that parents have that tells them how to handle their own feelings, how to handle their children’s feelings, or how to successfully handle the logistics of making the holiday season successful after divorce.
Parents are encouraged to spend the season focusing on what is best for their children. In part, this means putting to one side any negative feelings they may have about their ex-spouse. Many parents benefit by getting emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist. Experts agree that the holiday season is not a good time to try to punish one’s ex-spouse by denying them the chance to see their children. Parents are encouraged to remember that their children’s well-being is more important than any grudge they may have developed against their spouse.
A family law attorney might be able to help divorced individuals find clarity during the holiday season. They may work with their clients to help them draw up visitation schedules and settle custody agreements. They might represent their clients in child custody hearings and make a case as to why their client is fit to be the parent or guardian of the children.
