THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine November 2018 | Page 58

restrictions but state that house rules will be set
back to normal after holidays. Be flexible and
understanding. Remember, there will be family and
friends from the other side that wish to spend time
with your children. That’s ok and should be
encouraged, especially if they don't get to see the
children often. 
Shared Functions
If you decide to be attending events at the same
time and will bring your new partner be kind enough
to give the heads up. Do not create an unhealthy
environment if you feel jealous if they bring their
partners as well. Be mindful of everyone’s feelings.
Take Care of You
Relax and enjoy. Focus on just getting through it.
Spend time with supportive family and friends.
Have someone on call to vent to if you start having
insecurities or anxiety. Use coping tools like
meditation and mindfulness to stay grounded. 
Let’s be real, if for years you have been lying to your
children that Santa is real, you can also fake that
you are thrilled for them to spend time with the other
parent, even if it’s not the case.
At the end try, to see things from your kids
perspective and how you can make the transitions
go smoothly. You are trying to create joyful
memories, not chaos and confusion. 
Do you have any tips that have
worked for your Holidays? I’d
love to hear them.
Patricia Amorim
Patricia Amorim is the founder and CEO of United
CoParents, LLC. A mother of three that has been
coparenting for over 20 years.
She is a Parenting And Child Access in Divorce
Certified Mediator and a Co-Parenting Conflict
Resolution Coach.
NOVEMBER
2018 • THRIVE | 56