Focus on the Kids

First and foremost, remember that it’s all about the kids. No matter how you and your ex-spouse feel about each other, you both love your children, and they need to understand this. Keep any negative feelings towards your ex to yourself. One of the worst things that can happen in a divorce is when parents consciously or subconsciously use the children as weapons against each other by trying to turn them against the other parent through negative language.

Avoid Overcompensation

There is also a temptation to overcompensate for a divorce by “buying their love” at holiday time. Trying to outdo the other parent by purchasing more or higher-priced presents won’t make your children love you any more; it will only confuse them and inflate your credit card bill. Instead, try to connect with your kids in a way that will create memories that will outlast any toy or video game.

Relax!

And try to relax. The holiday season can be demanding enough as it is; as a recently divorced single parent, it can be even more difficult. If the holidays are getting you stressed, try some simple relaxation techniques to calm you down.