Divorce affects many parts of a person's life. One of the big ones at this time of year can center on how to handle family get-togethers during the holidays. Not only do individuals in Colorado going through divorce need to be aware of the legal implications, according to one expert it is important, too, to check with family members ahead of time to help avoid disputes and successfully navigate holiday visits.
Among the bits of advice offered: parents should make a point of asking their children, biological or step, what is important to them. Age doesn't matter. She says that holidays are mainly about whom a person is with and what they do together. Adult children and teens can be especially sensitive to changes to even the smallest traditions.
She also warns that when a person remarries it is important to respect the traditions that are important to a new family. She says it is easy to alienate a stepchild by making them ignore something that has been important to them.
She notes that holidays can be good for new families, too. Thoughtful acts by stepchildren or stepparents can help form a bond or improve a relationship. She says many times the holidays represent the first time a stepchild will say they love their new stepparent and that gesture can be very important.
Taking small steps reflecting communication and sensitivity to tradition can help make the holidays more pleasant for newly divorced parents and keep negative emotions to a minimum.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "Navigating the holidays after a recent divorce," Cheryl Stritzel McCarthy, Nov. 14, 2012
Tags: communication, divorce, holidays, traditions
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