Growing your family through adoption is a selfless and highly rewarding experience. When you adopt your spouse’s children, it sends the message that you love them and value being a parent to them.
These genuine feelings of love and commitment can set the stage for a wonderful holiday season as a blended family. While the holidays can be as stressful as they are memorable, there are ways that you can smooth over and prevent any difficulties that could arise from multi-household celebrations. In this blog, we share 4 tips for thriving through the holidays this year and creating memories you’ll cherish forever.
Tip #1: Stick to the Parenting Plan
If your spouse and the children’s other parent have a parenting plan in place, it will indicate where the kids will be spending important days like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, Hanukkah, etc. Make sure that you stick to the plan, even if you’d love having them for the entire holiday. Respecting the other parent’s rights and desire to spend time with their children will make relations between both households more harmonious, which is beneficial for the kids.
Tip #2: Communicate With the Other Parent
Even if relations between your spouse and their ex aren’t the greatest, put aside any feelings of hostility and resentment and make sure you communicate with them about sharing the holidays. For example, encourage the kids to call Mom or Dad on Christmas Day or wish them a Happy New Year’s Eve.
Tip #3: Schedule Pickups and Drop-offs
Make sure that all pickups and dropoffs are scheduled and understood well in advance. You don’t want your spouse’s ex to come to pick up the kids during Christmas dinner and you’ll want to know when they will be dropping the kids off on New Year’s Day so that you can have a celebratory dinner ready. Agree on times and, unless there’s an emergency, stick to the schedule.
Tip #4: Include the Children in the Plans
Don’t forget to share the holiday visitation details with the children so that they know what to expect. With older kids and teens, you can use a shared Google calendar or similar app while younger kids can check out a color-blocked wall or fridge calendar. Knowing where they will be on what day makes it easier for them to prepare as well as anticipate the fun that lies ahead.
Happy Holidays From the Team at the Law Offices of Kayleene H. Writer, PLC
We hope that your blended family has a happy and joyous holiday season. If questions arise and you need advice from a California family law attorney, let us help. We’re here for you when you need us: please call (949) 353-6151 or contact us.