With the holidays fast approaching it is a good time to consider how to take care of yourself and your children if you are in the midst a divorce. With the frequent gatherings of family and friends and holiday traditions it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the new change in life style. During this time be sure to remember a few points so that transitioning through divorce can be easier to adjust to.
When you are going through a divorce you feel a tremendous sense of loss. This is both a symbolic and literal loss. The marriage is dissolving along with mutual friends that the marriage had but there’s also the emotional sense of loss that comes with having a long-term relationship come to an end. For many, this can be accompanied by a sense of guilt in that the relationship did not work how you had intended it to. During the holiday season these emotions are only heightened because you are not with your partner during family gatherings and get-togethers.
When you are going through a divorce and have children there is a tremendous sense of change. The children can potentially have a challenging time with all of the transitions that occur from one parent to another. While on one hand they may like getting twice the presents for Christmas or twice desserts at family gatherings, the challenge of frequently changing parents and sets of rules with each parent can be quite difficult for them to adjust to. You will need to communicate with your partner so all plans are clear for the children as well as encourage their flexibility so they can make transition smoother.
There are many things you can do to help ensure you have a positive holiday experience while the divorce is underway. You can work to find the elements of holidays that you enjoy the most and seek those out. Perhaps if it is attending musical performances or family gatherings working hard to attend those types of events more often can be rewarding and valuable. You should also choose to use this time to surround yourself with people that are positive and supportive. The holidays can be stressful due to family dynamics and can be all the more so if you are going through a divorce. Having people in your life that are supportive and positive can help you through this time without putting a spotlight on your family situation. An additional strategy to help you transition is to find ways to help out those that are less fortunate than you. During the holiday season there are many opportunities to serve at a food bank, soup kitchen or volunteer at a homeless shelter. Seeing people’s needs that are more dire then yours can help put your situation in a proper perspective. This is not to minimize your challenge but rather help you see some of the positive things that you do have.
Going through a divorce is never easy. It is often compounded by the holiday season. When you have a supportive attorney to help you through the divorce process you can get a greater peace of mind during the challenging time. At Andrews & Arbenz, we are a local Tacoma divorce attorney agency that can help you through your divorce. Our hope is that we can provide the support and care you need to navigate the troubled waters of divorce so that you can focus on yourself during this challenging time. If you are considering a divorce or in the midst of one and need legal support, consider contacting us today so we can provide you the help and guidance you need.