Divorced Parents: How to Help Your Kids Get Through the Holidays

When parents divorce, it's always hard on the kids. And so you try to minimize the pain and reduce the chaos brought about by new routines and schedules. But that doesn't prepare you for the challenges of facing your first holiday season. Or the many seasons yet to come. 

That takes a great amount of empathy and creativity along with a willingness to put yourself in your children's shoes to help them address their emotions and cope with memories from the past that trigger pain and sadness.

Rosalind Sedacca's article on the Huffington Post offers three very valuable tips for divorcing parents to help their children adjust to their new surroundings, schedules, and quite possibly new visitors during the holiday season:

1. Be compassionate. Take the time to listen to your children and include them on decisions.
2. Create new memorable moments. Think of the holidays as a time to start new traditions with your children.
3. Model good behavior in front of your children, especially when it comes to your former spouse.  You will most likely be in communication more often at this time of year, so do your part in keeping the peace.