Your First Holiday as a Single Parent

The holidays are hard when you’re a single parent, especially the first holiday after a divorce or separation. Dealing with your first holiday as a single parent takes a certain amount of effort, but if you focus on the positives in life, you can handle the holidays as well.

Your First Holiday as a Single Parent: Have No Expectations

Assuring yourself in advance that you’re going to do this, that and the other thing will only make it that much harder if you are unable to accomplish your goals. Rather than setting expectations for yourself, focus on doing the best that you can. Place your attention on something other than the fact that you are a single parent during the holidays.

Your First Holiday as a Single Parent: Focus on the Kids

Focusing on your children will be helpful to both you and the little ones. For them, they’ll be able to have fun during the holidays even though Mommy and Daddy are no longer together; for you, you’ll have an adequate distraction from the stress that life as a single parent creates.

Your First Holiday as a Single Parent: Don’t Guilt the Children

If it’s been decided that your children will spend Christmas with your ex, be positive about that. Even though you wish they were with you, there is no reason to make them feel guilty. Instead of telling them how miserable you’ll be, say you’ll miss them, but you’re looking forward to celebrating the holidays when they come home.

Your First Holiday as a Single Parent: Keep Yourself Occupied

Especially if your children will be spending the holidays with your ex, you’ll need a full itinerary planned to focus your mind elsewhere. Go to a movie, visit a museum, eat dinner at a restaurant or start a new hobby. You can also get together with other single friends and have a guys’ or girls’ night just for the group.

Your First Holiday as a Single Parent: Stay Connected