Receiving gifts is a big part of Christmas for most children. However hard parents try to let them know that Christmas is about much more than this, most kids get very excited anticipating what they will get.
If you are divorcing, gift-giving and Christmas as a whole will likely be more complicated than usual. Here are some things to remember:
It is not a competition
Do not use gift-giving as an opportunity to outdo your co-parent. And don’t be sucked into the game if they try to outspend you for the sake of it. Parents who go down this route often both end up spending much more than they can afford, which can be problematic coming after the divorce expenses.
You may well have different budgets from each other. That is fine if you handle it well. Just explain to your children that their other parent can afford to spend more, and be happy if they can get them the expensive trainers or items that you cannot afford.
Time is the best gift you can give them
It is easy to feel guilty about how your divorce affects your children’s lives. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to make it up to them by spending more than usual on gifts. They will grow to understand why you and their other parent decided to separate, even if it takes them time. What they need more than ever from you is time and attention, not lavish spending.
Communicating as co-parents helps
Discussing gift-giving ahead of time with your co-parent can help smooth the way for a successful Christmas and a better future relationship. So too can a comprehensive parenting plan.