Father’s Day is right around the corner, and while it may be a day full of fun and love for many men, it can be one of the most challenging days for divorced dads. Those who have recently gone through a divorce will have to face the brutal reminder of the most painful loss from the divorce, which is time spent with the children as a family. But while it may be tough to adjust to these parent-focused holidays after your divorce, it can also be an excellent opportunity to recognize and strengthen the relationship between you and your children. Here are some tips that will allow you to help you and your kids enjoy this Father’s Day.
According to an article by Men’s Divorce, remember to leave any resentment and anger towards your ex at the door when planning your Father’s Day. It’s not uncommon to still be angry at your former spouse after the divorce, but putting that aside on this memorable holiday is essential. Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate your role as a dad and enjoy your relationship with your children, not talk about your former spouse. Focus on maintaining a positive attitude and show your kids that you are interested in spending valuable time with them this holiday.
If you co-parent and want to have the kids on Father’s Day, you must work that into the parenting plan you have set up with your former spouse ahead of time. If the day lands on the day your ex has the kids, you can try talking to them to agree. If that’s still not possible, the last resort may be to make good use of today’s technology. Nowadays, we can stay virtually connected with applications such as Zoom and FaceTime. Although that may not be the preferred method of hanging out with your kids, staying connected with them is still essential even if you’re not physically with them. You can always celebrate together the next time you have your kids in custody.
If you have your kids on Father’s Day, make sure you plan all activities. Because these holidays are usually family-focused, it could be a good idea to create unique traditions for you and your children. Try visiting new places and engaging in new activities with them that will help keep you all entertained. In the end, the children will appreciate your effort to make sure the holiday was well spent.
Lastly and most important is to be honest with your children. If it is your first Father’s Day as a single dad, you may feel overwhelmed with emotions, which is okay. It’s natural for you to be sad on your first Father’s Day following a divorce; your children may even feel the same way. If your children are old enough and you are comfortable doing so, it may be a good idea to sit them down for a talk and explain that this Father’s Day may seem a little different. You can also emphasize the positive parts of the new arrangement, as well as why you believe it is important to keep spending time with them.
Adjusting to holidays following a divorce can be extremely difficult and emotional, and it’s normal to worry about what holidays such as Father’s Day will look like after a divorce. But it can also be the opportunity to start new traditions with your children and embrace this new chapter of your life.
If you’re going through a divorce or custody battle and are concerned about how it will affect family traditions and holiday schedules, contact the attorneys at Schoenberg Family Law Group. We aim to keep the legal proceedings amicable and straightforward in these complex and contentious disputes. Our family law lawyers at SFLG have decades of experience helping clients define their goals and bring them to fruition.
by Debra Schoenberg
