The holiday season seems to come upon us earlier and earlier each year. Even before Thanksgiving, I started to notice all of the signs -- colorful lights strung in front of houses, a glimpse of lit trees through windows and cheerful holiday tunes on the radio. Along with the high spirits the holiday season, a package of stress often arrives. This is especially true for divorced couples that struggle over how to make plans that optimize the holidays for themselves and, of course, their children -- who want nothing more than normality.
With divorce rates still at almost 50%, negotiating which parent spends what holiday with the children is for many a major part of the holiday ritual. This issue is often more potent during the first holiday after a separation or divorce has taken place. There are an infinite number of arrangements that are possible, but remember this: You are much better equipped to put things into perspective than your children are. In other words, you and your ex need to be the adults in the room!
So with this in mind, here are three things to remember as you and your ex make your holiday plans:
Something to keep in mind is that the holidays are a time when practically everybody in the family feels the effects of divorce more than they do at other times of the year. So be mindful of making sure that regardless of your relationship with your ex, your children come first. Divorce is never a simple matter logistically or emotionally, but with a little awareness of how this affects your children, can greatly decrease everyone's stress this holiday season.
Michael S. Broder, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist, executive coach, bestselling author, continuing education seminar leader, and popular speaker. He is an acclaimed expert in cognitive behavioral therapy, specializing in high achievers and relationship issues. His work centers on bringing about major change in the shortest time possible.
His latest book, Stage Climbing: The Shortest Path to Your Highest Potential, has received much praise from such notables as Deepak Chopra, Steve Covey, Mark Victor Hanson and many other professionals; citing it’s groundbreaking and user friendly cognitive behavioral self-help approach.
A sought-after media guest, he has appeared on Oprah and The Today Show as well as making more than a thousand other TV and radio guest appearances. For many years, Dr. Broder also hosted the radio program Psychologically Speaking with Dr Michael Broder. He has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, and hundreds of other publications.
In addition to Stage Climbing, Dr. Broder’s previous books include The Art of Living Single, The Art of Staying Together: A Couple’s Guide to Intimacy and Respect, Can Your Relationship Be Saved? How To Know Whether To Stay Or Go, and The Secrets of Sexual Ecstasy. His audio programs include Positive Attitude Training, Self Actualization: Reaching Your Full Potential, and The Help Yourself Audiotherapy Series, which are used frequently by mental health professionals and coaches with their clients.
Dr. Broder earned his Ph.D. at Temple University. He conducts seminars, talks, and presentations to professional as well as lay audiences worldwide, and has trained many thousands of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Michael Broder lives and practices in Philadelphia, PA. Please visit DrMichaelBroder.com for more information.
Post new comment
Please Register or Login to post new comment.