As a divorced parent, you are presented with special challenges every day that are unique to your having gone through a divorce in Virginia and the resultant division of the familial unit. This reality can seem amplified during the holidays, a time of year in which so much focus is put on family and “togetherness.”
One area that is wrought with potential emotional landmines-regardless of who has custody of the children or is responsible for paying Virginia child support-is gift giving. While the urge may be there to one-up your ex-husband and take the cake on the gift giving for this year, remember that like all things related to post-divorce life, this should be about what is in your child’s best interests.
Below are 3 tips on how to handle holiday gift giving for your children after a Virginia divorce:
- Don’t be competitive – As previously noted, the temptation may be palpable to trump your ex’s gifts by showering the kids with an armload of expensive wireless gadgets, a shiny new bike and an adorable Lab puppy. But trying to out-do your ex-husband will only turn the holidays into a competition between the adults, instead of a time to celebrate your children and developing healthy new traditions together.
- Set a budget – To avoid inadvertent imbalances in gift-giving and unnecessary strain on your pocketbooks, set a realistic total dollar amount for each child.
- Compare lists, but don’t divulge to the kids – In order to prevent doubling up on your children’s gifts (and the disappointment and frustration that would accompany such a thing), compare gift lists with your husband. You can do this by phone, email, fax, letter or in person; whichever makes you most comfortable. Once you have the info, be sure to keep your lips zipped and don’t spoil the fun for your kids.
Divorced mothers face many challenges on a year-round basis, including securing adequate Virginia child support and suitable Virginia child custody arrangements. Working with a Newport News child custody attorney may help you to alleviate some of the stress associated with these concerns.
Contacting a Newport News Child Custody Attorney
A Newport News child custody attorney at Hofheimer Family Law Firm can examine the specifics of your case to help you decide how much support to ask for, what child custody arrangement will work best for you and your children, and how to fairly divide your marital assets. Request a complimentary copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.