Updated March 29, 2022 by Alan Plevy and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson
For divorced and separated families, the upcoming holidays can be filled with dread instead of joy. Too often, children are caught in the stressful battle between separated parents, who haven’t realized they need to come up with new ways to make memories.
There are countless issues that lead to arguments during the season, including:
- The question of who will celebrate which holidays where. Are the children at Mom’s on Christmas Day, and at Dad’s on Christmas Eve? How about on Thanksgiving, when most extended families get together?
- Deciding and handling travel arrangements during the children’s school holidays. Who goes to which house, by what time and who gets them there? What if one parent wants to take the kids away on vacation?
- Parents buying elaborate gifts to one-up each other. “You get a brand new car.” “Here’s that dog you always wanted.” “Enjoy the drum set I sent over to your Mother’s house for you.”
- The annual “dissing of the other parent” tradition around the holiday meal table, often with Grandma or Grandpa joining in.
The uncertainty and stress of being in a separated or divorced family can cause disagreements to quickly escalate into arguments – a tug-of-war between parents. But, there are ways to avoid conflicts, and it starts with working with the other parent. Yes, deciding logistics and other issues with the other parent can be done. (Quick tip: remember you’re doing it for your children.) Family law attorneys Alan Plevy and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson offer the following steps you can take as a parent to make things easier during the holiday season:
Plan Ahead
“It is imperative to create a plan ahead of time that includes when and where your children will be,” says Plevy. Having everything outlined eliminates the chance of unexpected surprises. Confirm the plan in writing via text message or email, suggests Plevy.
Don’t forget to keep the kids updated in order to prevent any anxiety they might feel from being kept out of the loop. This is also extremely helpful in blended families, where each parent may have children from previous marriages, and the comings and goings are constant. Vacations with children should be proposed, discussed and worked out far in advance.
Avoid a Gifting Competition
An often unspoken problem divorced parents face is the desire to outdo the other. “A gifting competition is a no-win proposition, often leaving you in debt, overwhelmed and hurt,” says Dickerson. “Too often, we hear about a parent who buys a dog for their child, even though they know the pet will not be able to live at the other parent’s house. Yes, children may love the gift, but it isn’t worth the added stress on the child.”
Behave Like an Adult
Maintain your composure and remain civil and businesslike with the other parent. Remember your children still love them and speaking rudely about the other parent in front of your children will upset them and exacerbate their stress. Make sure their aunts, uncles and grandparents follow the same rules. Children would rather feel at peace, so avoid the bickering. Otherwise, when they grow older, they might not want to visit.
Put Your Children First
After a divorce or separation, there is often a mixture of negative emotions: sadness, anger and disappointment. Make sure you listen to your children’s concerns and let them know that it is okay to share these emotions. Plevy says letting them vent can be a big help.
Create New Traditions
It’s a new chapter, meaning now is the time for new, unique holiday traditions. Instead of decorating the Christmas tree, going caroling or hanging holiday lights (which you may have done with both parents in the past), begin a family game night, run a 5k or volunteer to feed the homeless with your children. “New traditions help kids focus on the fun, alleviate their stress and makes the season special,” says Dickerson.
Give Yourself a Gift
Divorced or separated parents may feel sad, alone and stressed. Occasionally, because of the established visitation schedule, a parent might find they have more free time when their child is with the other parent. Plevy advises, while children are learning to adapt to an established structure, you should, too. Use this time to do something special or create a tradition for yourself. By prioritizing your happiness, you will be more upbeat during the time you get to spend with your children for the holidays.
Read more articles from the Fall 2018 Report from Counsel here.
About the Authors
Alan Plevy
Alan Plevy is a recognized force in family law, mediation and litigation, with more than 40 years as one of the most experienced divorce lawyers in Virginia. Mr. Plevy is known for being a tenacious litigator and negotiator who is zealously devoted to his clients. A top legal publication, Virginia Lawyer Weekly, noted Mr. Plevy’s impact on the law when it named two cases he litigated among its Top Five Landmark Family Law Cases in Virginia. Those two cases, which date back to the 1980s, are still regularly cited by attorneys and courts.
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson is a principal at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and George Mason University School of Law, where she served on the Board of Editors for the Journal of International Legal Studies. Ms. Dickerson is also presently General Counsel for the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Virginia and has served as President of the organization and on its Board of Directors. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association and served as its President. She has served on numerous committees of the Fairfax Bar Association and as President of its Young Lawyers Section and as Co-Chair of the Revenue Development Committee.
