CO-PARENTING DURING THE HOLIDAYS CONSISTENCY IS KEY
as possible so everyone can stay calm and enjoy the holiday season. The holidays are breeding grounds for stress. If you know that visiting family and friends will add to that stress, perhaps that would not be the best thing for you to do as a family; however, if it provides a sense of peace and feelings of belonging for your children, then I suggest you maintain the strength of mind to ensure your children experience the traditions they have always known.
When parents aren’t getting along, children can sense the tension, and it can make them feel uncomfortable, anxious, and worried. During the holiday season, children are accustomed to their traditions and are excited to see their families. Even if you are not getting along with your former partner or spouse, it is crucial that you do everything you can to maintain normalcy for your children so they can enjoy their holidays. Do your best to ensure your children will still be able to follow their regular holiday schedule and see both your family and your former partner’s family as they normally would despite your differences. If possible, consider attending events and gatherings with your former partner so the children do not have any distress by missing one of you or harbor feelings of guilt or loneliness, especially if they feel one of you is being left out. Children carry a lot of guilt and shame when their parents divorce, and they are burdened by things that should not burden them. Emotionally mature adults can help assuage children’s anxiety and provide a sense of balance, calm, and peace. The holidays are stressful enough without the angst of a divorce added to the mix.
BE REASONABLE
Remember, the holidays are about your family, and your children are thrilled to attend the festivities. If your former partner has a special event they would like to take the children to that doesn’t fall within their parenting time, be flexible. Do not cause unnecessary complications and arguments or prevent your children from going to a holiday event solely because you don’t want to change days. Have a conversation, switch times, or even offer to go with them so you can still have your parenting time. Remember that parenting time is about the children. They deserve to have their traditions and have fun. They did not ask for the divorce. Be reasonable, kind, and respectful of your ex. Being a good person does not mean you are weak or that you don’t have boundaries. Being a good person and rising above the adversities means you are extraordinary and can handle anything that comes your way.
COMMUNICATION IS CRUCIAL
Regardless of your differences, it is important to communicate effectively with your former partner regarding events and schedules. Make sure you have a plan for the children, and carry out that plan as seamlessly
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CRONIN LAW FIRM WELCOMES: We are excited to introduce two new attorneys that have joined The Cronin Law Firm, effectively expanding our ability to help you with your legal needs. Please welcome Kimberly Cochrane and Jennifer Montasir to our office. Both attorneys bring solid legal skills, enhancing our ability to continue providing stellar representation to our clients. We are also proud to share that our law clerk of over a year, Samantha Ayers, has successfully passed her bar exam, graduating her position to an associate attorney!
VEGAN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
INGREDIENTS •
1 small onion, sliced
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2 shallots, chopped
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7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1/4 cup and 3 tbsp flour, divided 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
8 oz can mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb green beans, cooked
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3 cups almond milk
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DIRECTIONS 1. Set the oven to broil. 2. In a shallow baking pan, combine onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp flour, and panko breadcrumbs. 3. Broil for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Afterward, preheat the oven to 375 F. 4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add shallots, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring until tender.
5. In a large bowl, mix
We look forward to 2022 and the continued expansion of The Cronin Law Firm.
mushroom mixture with the cooked green beans.
6. In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 cup of flour, whisking until golden. Gradually add the almond milk until it thickens, then toss with the green beans. 7. Transfer mixture into a baking dish and cook for 20 minutes. 8. Add onion and breadcrumb mixture on top, then bake for another 5 minutes.
Kimberly Cochrane
Jennifer Montasir
Samantha Ayers
3
Cronin Law Firm | www.croninlawfirm.com
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