If you have children coming to visit that don?™t usually live with you think though things that you can do to nurture yourself whilst they are there. Do you need to plan some time out with a friend, or perhaps you need to let your partner know that you plan to take a long hot bath one evening. Don?™t let yourself dwell in worry and concern. Think of all the positives you can do to make their stay as happy for you as possible.

Have realistic expectations. Holidays within a stepfamily are going to be different. By accepting that and adjusting your expectations helps you get into the flow of exchanges and either time away from your children or extra time with the children. At holiday times children can be reminded that their mum and dad aren?™t together anymore. These reminders can bring up emotions such as loss, guilt or anger. By remembering a stepfamily is different from a biological family you can create new traditions and rituals that are unique to your stepfamily and set aside a time when you know all will be able to participate ??even if it?™s before or after a particular holiday?™s date. Children need to be with both of their biological parents, be sensitive to that. As children grow older, their friends become more important so they may want to spend some of their holiday time with them.