Be Mindful: What you need to know about divorce, kids, and the holidays
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Navigating the holidays after divorce can be challenging for families, especially this time of year. Children often don't understand how to make sense of it all.
Chief of clinical Services at Emergence Health Network Celeste Nevarez says it's ok to acknowledge their loss. She says it's common to see stress and anxiety, and to field a lot of questions. She says the best way to deal with potential problems is to communicate. Answer those questions, and be there for your child when they need to vent. When it comes to making connections, try bringing everyone together with family traditions, or start some new ones.
"Maybe we start new traditions," says Nevarez. "So I know at your grammas you always have hot chocolate on the 24th. Well, maybe we can't do that because you're with your other family members on the 24th, but we can do it on the 25th. That way we can have it at both houses."
While holidays are about joy and having fun, Nevarez advises not pretending it isn't a difficult time.
 IF we're just happy, happy, joy, joy and we're pretending this isn't a difficult time... We're ignoring and we're not having conversations, that's not good."
It's up to parents to provide proper intervention and help children regulate their feelings.
Parents should also avoid using competition within households. Making sure the child feels safe and loved no matter where he or she is should be rule number one.
While navigating the world of divorce may be new to you and your loved ones, there are of course counselors and therapists available who help families navigate similar situations every day. If you feel you or your family could benefit, reach out. No one is alone. If you are having overwhelming feelings of sadness or thoughts of suicide, call 9-8-8 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
