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Divorce can be a difficult and traumatic event for kids to go through. Often, they will feel torn between their parents and not want to take sides. This can lead them to feel guilty and ashamed of themselves if they love both of their parents equally. To make things even more complicated, it is common for one parent to try to alienate the child from the other parent in an attempt at revenge or because they are suffering emotionally due to their own heartbreak.
A divorce can also leave children feeling abandoned by one parent, which leads them to wonder why the parent leaves without giving any explanation or farewell glimpse into their future lives. For all these reasons above, Valentine’s Day might be particularly hard on kids who have recently had a divorce, especially if they are forced to spend the holiday with their ex-spouse.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways for parents to help minimize the pain put on children as a result of divorce and even ensure that they have a blast during their lives after the divorce. Here are five great gift ideas for kids after getting a divorce:
1. Food and entertainment
Food is one way that you can show your love through gifts without spending too much money or effort. Rather than splurging on an overpriced box of chocolates, you can give your child some delicious microwaveable popcorn and two movie tickets so that he/she can catch the newest animated film with his/her friends or family members.
2. Phone calls
Another easy sweet gift idea is to simply give your child the gift of hearing your voice, directly in their ear. Kids love receiving phone calls from their parents, no matter how far away they are, and giving them the opportunity to hear about what you have been up to might help ease some of the tension between both of you.
3. Letters with notes attached
If writing is not one of your strong suits, buying a pre-written Valentine’s day card for your child will not do any justice to either party. Instead, find a small note that says something sweet or funny and stick it on top of a candy bar or other small toy so that when your child opens it up, he/she will get two gifts in one!
4. Hand-made accessories
Hand-made accessories can tell a story about your family and how much you care, but they don’t have to be anything complicated. A simple necklace with a heart or a bracelet made from yarn will not only give your child a sweet gift, it will also show them that even though you are no longer together as a couple, you still love them unconditionally.
Baby name blankets are one of the most timeless and sentimental gifts that you can give your kids after a divorce. It can also be a personalized blanket, which will help your kids feel like you are part of their life no matter how far away you might be. Not only will these blankets be present throughout all of their childhood memories, but they will also keep them warm when it’s cold outside!
5. Photo-book
A photo book can be a fun way to show your kids what they have been up to since you last saw them. These can also be made at the local library so that you don’t have to invest any money into one of these gifts and it will still have just as much value.
Conclusion
No matter which gift idea you pick for your kid after a divorce, it’s important that you continue showing them love and attention throughout since they might feel like they don’t deserve it. If you are not sure of what to get them, simply giving them your time and spending the day with them at their favorite spot is a great gesture that won’t cost you anything but will mean everything in the world to your kids. In addition, never forget to give them a kiss and tell them that you love them every day, no matter what!
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