After your divorce has been finalized, you might not realize how different Father’s Day is going to be the first year after the end of your marriage. With the holiday fast approaching, you may be wondering how to plan the day around this new arrangement.
Here are some tips to guide you through your first Father’s Day post-divorce:
- Talk to your ex-spouse – In an ideal world, your schedule parenting time will include Father’s Day and you will be free to celebrate any way you want. However, this may not be the case, which means other arrangements need to be made in order to spend time with your children. While this may be the last thing you want to do, it is worth reaching out to your ex-spouse to figure out a plan. If you do not get the kids on Father’s Day, perhaps you and your ex could find a compromise, such as switching weekends or holidays.
- Let your children plan out the day – You want to spend the day with your kids doing something all of you will remember for years to come. Ask your children what they would like to do. Whether it’s a picnic in a park or watching a baseball game, find activities to do that fit within your budget. Make sure you take plenty of pictures to cherish this moment forever.
- Tell your kids it’s okay to feel sad – Since previous Father’s Day celebrations consisted of the entire family unit, adjusting to a different kind of tradition is going to be difficult on everyone, especially the children. Let them know that it is perfectly okay to feel sad and you can even admit to feeling a little down about things as well. Make sure you reinforce that despite how different things will be from now on, the love you have for your children will be the same forever.
- If your kids live too far away to visit, arrange a conversation – If the divorce resulted in your ex-spouse relocating with the kids someplace far away, you should still make arrangements to speak to your children. Whether through FaceTime or Skype, schedule a time with your ex and then you make the call. Make sure you sound happy and keep things fun, so you can see your children smile as much as possible.
- Celebrate Father’s Day on a different day – If there is no way you can spend time with your children on Father’s Day, then celebrate on a different weekend. Any day you spend with your kids should be considered special.
In conclusion, the most important thing you can do on your first Father’s Day post-divorce not to worry too much. It is normal to feel sad, but don’t forget there will be more opportunities to share special moments with your kids.
If you are interested in a modification in Newport Beach, CA, contact Burch Shepard Family Law Group today.
