Separate Santas - Connecting with Kids Separate Santas Santa may be coming to town, but for kids of divorced parents, Christmas is often a time to leave town to visit a mom or a dad who may live hundreds of miles away. The excitement of presents gives way to excruciating pressure for some kids. Ten year-old Hope Davidson struggles to remain merry in spite of the stress. Dr. O'Heron, a specialist in maternal and child health says that divorced parents can reduce holiday stress by making clear plans in advance and by reassuring kids that they will still be able to enjoy the holiday even though they are away. Children need to feel that even if they are not in the absent parent's home, the parent will be alright.
Kids often feel the pressure of pleasing both sides of the family.
O'Heron says that it's important for parents to stress the positive side of splitting the holidays between parents. That Counts Many families struggle with the financial strain of the holidays and the focus on gift-giving and receiving. This can be an emotionally difficult time to discuss what can and cannot be afforded. It may help them in coping with unrealistic wish lists. What Parents Can Do Dr. O'Heron, a maternal and child health specialist, offers these tips to parents to prepare for a happy, yet realistic holiday season.