Divorceworkshop Blog
Divorce and Halloween: Tips for a Smooth and Joyful Celebration
For many children, including my own, Halloween is not just another day—it's a BIG deal! My children talk about Halloween just as much as they do about Christmas. The adventures of Halloween start at a young age, as they excitedly don their cute little outfits and embark on a journey of spooky fun. Or as they grow older, they start having real involvement in choosing their Halloween costumes for the year. As families, we cherish the special Halloween traditions and routines we've built over the years, maybe we hosted or attended annual Halloween parties or went out with a group of friends or loved ones. However, all of this changes when divorce enters the picture, and suddenly, Halloween can become a bit tricky to navigate. The significance of this cherished occasion in our children's lives demands that we prioritize their happiness and ensure they have a magical Halloween without any unnecessary tension-filled moments.
Do High-Conflict Personalities Love Their Children? Understanding the Tangled Truth?
Growing up, I often found myself asking a question no child should ever have to wonder: Does my father truly love me? His unpredictable nature and hurtful actions left me doubting, while my mother’s steady love became my anchor in an otherwise turbulent world.
As an adult, I unknowingly repeated the cycle, marrying someone who shared traits with my father. We had children together, and over time, I began to notice troubling patterns in my ex-husband’s behavior. The same haunting question returned: Does he genuinely love our kids?
After our separation, his behavior became even more erratic and concerning. Friends would ask me, “How can a father treat his children this way?” Some even said, “Karen, maybe he doesn’t love them.” Deep down, I had to face a painful truth: I’m not sure he does.