Holidays

Holidays can be tough, but it's important that you keep the conflict away from the children. Instead of lamenting that you don't have the kids on Thanksgiving or Xmas, try taking care of yourself (instead of taking care of them). Make sure that you have a support system of adults that can ease your pain. Another approach is to try looking at the holidays as a chance to start your own traditions, spend time with the kiddos and spend time with adults (sans kids)!

Thanksgiving Holiday and Divorce

The holiday season is upon us and if you are newly divorce or separated with children, you may be heading in to unseen territory when planning your holiday celebrations with or without your children.

It may at first feel somewhat disappointing if you are the parent without your child on Thanksgiving this year. Take care of yourself that day. If you do not have family in town see friends, or just do something for yourself, such as see a movie, or read your favorite book. Make it a day about you!

I remember my first year with my children and without my ex-husband. I did not have family that lived in the state so it was important to me that my children would still have the experience of family. That Thanksgiving was a milestone for me. My children and I spent the holiday with 2 other newly separated mothers and their children. The kids had a great time and we enjoyed cooking together. I remember the peace we felt, on that day, we all knew we would be just fine redefining our family holidays as long as we had supporting friends to be with.