HOLIDAY TIPS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN DIVIDED FAMILIES

The material below was written to help visiting fathers during the holidays. I felt the information was applicable to both parents, so I have adapted it to apply to both Fathers and Mothers. No one can tell you how to “best enjoy” the holidays, but it doesn’t hurt to stop for a moment and read someone’s “tips” and think about your children and perhaps adapt a tip or two to your situation. I know my 12 year old daughter seems to like the idea of “dates” with her Father, such as a traditional Saturday morning breakfast out, just the two of us. Think about this type of thing and the tips below and maybe you and your children will have a meaningful time. ACTION POINTS for Committed Parents

Tell your children you love them, you're proud and pleased with them, and that you pray for them.
During the holidays, spend some time alone with each of your children -- walking and talking about their lives, their interests, their plans. Seek to understand them and affirm them instead of making any value judgments.
During the next few weeks, make it a priority to find ways to laugh with your children. Here's a joke you can use: What do you give the man who has everything? Antibiotics.
Consider giving each of your children a "gift of time" -- a coupon or solid commitment to do something together that he or she enjoys. Make plans to follow through on it soon.
To reinforce the importance of "gifts you can't buy," limit your kids' media time each day, or even try a media-free weekend this month. Replace it with fun family activities.
Read Luke 2:17-18 with your children, and talk about specific ways your family can imitate the way the shepherds responded after hearing the news of Jesus' birth.

Excerpted from information from Fathers.com