Thanksgiving can be a particularly difficult time when parents are unable to spend the holiday with their children. For divorced families, the first few Thanksgivings can be particularly difficult as they get used to their new normal. We'll go over three coping mechanisms in more detail below to help you get through the holiday season as a co-parent.


Maintain Your Parenting Routine

Co-parents can fairly divide up parenting time for Thanksgiving in a number of different ways. Here are some instances of typical Thanksgiving parenting schedules:

  • On Thanksgiving, one parent receives the kids, while the other receives them over the weekend.

  • On Thanksgiving Day and over the weekend, both parents spend equal amounts of time with the kids.

  • Thanksgiving Day and the weekend should be combined into one holiday, which should change every year.


Create New Rituals

Thanksgiving without the kids presents a challenge for parents adjusting to life after divorce. Parents who don't have children for the holiday should get in touch with friends and family to find a Thanksgiving celebration to attend, rather than choosing not to celebrate. Even though it might not be your first choice, laughing and having fun with others will make you feel better. If you'd rather not celebrate the holiday at all, taking advantage of the extended weekend for a quick getaway is a great way to unwind.


Establish Reasonable Goals

It's crucial to set reasonable expectations for what the holiday will be like as a co-parent because you won't always be able to make everyone happy on Thanksgiving. Don't feel compelled to recreate the past if you do end up with custody of the kids on Thanksgiving; instead, look for fresh ways to strengthen your supportive bond. You should make plans for your time together in advance and make an effort to set an example of behavior that supports healthy coping mechanisms.



If you have concerns about your parenting plan, the experienced Miami family law attorneys at Rafool, LLC, can help. Call us at (305) 567-9400 or contact our Miami family law lawyers online to schedule a consultation.