THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine November 2018 | Page 57
Try to plan
everything ahead
Make sure that all transitions schedules and travel
arrangements are set in place ahead of time. Do not
leave everything for the last minute. Schedule time
to use video chat if possible.
Also consider sending each other pictures so either
parent won’t totally miss things out like pictures with
Santa.
Set reasonable
expectations and
release control
Do not feel guilty that your children Holliday will be
“different”. This is the perfect opportunity to create
new seasonal traditions that will bring you joy.
Release control by not worrying about what’s
happening on the other household.
Plan Gifts
Help your child create or pick gifts for the other
parent. Kindness goes long ways, even if not
reciprocated. The lesson is on what your children
see and learns. Parents, please... Do NOT try to Out-
Do each other. Children are smart and you don’t
want to open that can of worms. That can lead to
them feeling entitled and smart enough to
manipulate both of you. Try to coordinate with your
CoParent to agree to set a limits for gifts and
money. Also discuss what would be off limits
because of age or each household values. Other
family members can be included.
Do Not try to
Control the other
household
If you are scared that your children get out of hand
and come back with different habits or feel anxious
about going to another environment. Set some
alone time with your children and talk about
expectations while preparing him for new people or
experiences. Loosen up some of your household r
NOVEMBER
2018 • THRIVE | 55