010. 8 Practical Tips for a Successful Holiday Season
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Fall has officially arrived and that means the holiday season is just around the corner. Those of us living in stepfamily dynamics often dread this time of year simply because …well, it just isn't simple for us!
A while back, I (Kim) asked my daughter, "What's one good thing about growing up in blended family dynamics?"
She promptly replied, "You get to celebrate two of everything through the holidays!"
It was interesting to hear that her recollection of the holiday season was positive because I have some memories of my own that were not positive at all!
Managing and negotiating holiday plans and schedules with an Ex is often a complex process filled with stress & frustration (the word 'headache' comes to mind).
And it can be a challenging season between us and our kids too. All kinds of frustrations and emotions get triggered and kids may end up distancing themselves or just having a bad attitude in general.
Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions — this is tough stuff. But it's wise to approach the holidays proactively!
So, in today's episode, we're sharing 8 Tips that can help you navigate the Blended Family Holiday Season.
Make sure to take on our challenge at the end!
Inside this Episode:
Tip 1: Examine and readjust your expectations
Tip 2: Plan ahead with Your former spouse around schedules
Tip 3: Inform the kids of those plans they can expect
Tip 4: Create stability & connection with your Kids
Tip 5: Utilize the 5 Love Languages to fill their emotional tanks
Tip 6: Discover what traditions are really important to the kids
Tip 7: Involve the kids in the preparation process
Tip 8: Keep your focus on gratitude
Resources from this Episode:
Blog article: How to Minimize Disappointment In Your Blended Family
Article by Ron Deal on FamilyLife Blended: How to Cook a Stepfamily
Blog article: Are You Speaking the Right Language to Your Stepfamily?
Article by Ron Deal on Smart Stepfamilies: Family Meetings: A Tool for Problem-Solving
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We all need some extra support along the blending journey — we're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence, and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession
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