The holiday season can be a rough time for divorced, separated, and blended families.
Not being able to spend time with your sweet littles on such
a special day is heartbreaking.
I have a few tips on what you can do to make the season easier on everyone.
The number one thing you have to remember is that this situation is hardest on the kids,
so anything you can do to ease the switching back and forth is
going to make them happy, and ultimately, you happy.
My oldest four will be spending the first half of Christmas break and Christmas Day with their father. Even though it's a rough time, I know they'll have a blast having Christmas over there.
1. Send them with a sweet letter and a picture.
This helps them when they're feeling lonely or homesick.
2. Do all of your pre-Christmas traditions before they leave.
We did our hot cocoa runs, visiting Santa, reading Christmas books, and making cookies before they left. We got to squeeze in a lot of fun! Lots of memories.
3. Hype them up for getting to have more than one Christmas.
My kids get four Christmases. One with my in laws, one at home, one at my parents house, and one at their dads. They think that is so cool! What kid doesn't like more presents and family time!
4. Be extremely positive.
Kids struggle going to and from houses, especially during special times. Remind them how fun it's going to be and how they'll see you soon. It's imperative you let your children know that you aren't upset that they are leaving, just that you will miss them and can't wait until they're home. Kids often take parents being upset very personally, so be very specific in your emotion words.
5. Keep yourself busy.
While the kids are gone, fill that schedule up. Do things you wouldn't normally do, and just use the extra time to be extra prepared for their return.
When they are gone for the actual Christmas Day, they come home on the 26th, and we do Christmas on the 27th.
I'm so looking forward to them coming home and celebrating with them.
Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone's holiday goes smooth!
Not being able to spend time with your sweet littles on such
a special day is heartbreaking.
I have a few tips on what you can do to make the season easier on everyone.
The number one thing you have to remember is that this situation is hardest on the kids,
so anything you can do to ease the switching back and forth is
going to make them happy, and ultimately, you happy.
My oldest four will be spending the first half of Christmas break and Christmas Day with their father. Even though it's a rough time, I know they'll have a blast having Christmas over there.
1. Send them with a sweet letter and a picture.
This helps them when they're feeling lonely or homesick.
2. Do all of your pre-Christmas traditions before they leave.
We did our hot cocoa runs, visiting Santa, reading Christmas books, and making cookies before they left. We got to squeeze in a lot of fun! Lots of memories.
3. Hype them up for getting to have more than one Christmas.
My kids get four Christmases. One with my in laws, one at home, one at my parents house, and one at their dads. They think that is so cool! What kid doesn't like more presents and family time!
4. Be extremely positive.
Kids struggle going to and from houses, especially during special times. Remind them how fun it's going to be and how they'll see you soon. It's imperative you let your children know that you aren't upset that they are leaving, just that you will miss them and can't wait until they're home. Kids often take parents being upset very personally, so be very specific in your emotion words.
5. Keep yourself busy.
While the kids are gone, fill that schedule up. Do things you wouldn't normally do, and just use the extra time to be extra prepared for their return.
When they are gone for the actual Christmas Day, they come home on the 26th, and we do Christmas on the 27th.
I'm so looking forward to them coming home and celebrating with them.
Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone's holiday goes smooth!
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