After a divorce, many parents face the challenge of ensuring their children feel supported and comfortable while adjusting to life between two homes. One parent has found a practical solution by purchasing duplicates of personal care products, helping to ease the transition for their children who now switch homes weekly.
For the past five years, the author’s children, aged 11 and 13, have been living out of bags as they alternate between their mother’s home and their father’s. This routine has become more complex as their interests have evolved. Recently, both children have developed a keen interest in styling their hair, prompting a need for specific hair care and personal grooming items.
The author discovered that packing not only clothes and school supplies but also personal care products added to the stress of “switch days.” To alleviate this burden, they began buying duplicate items, such as shampoos, body washes, and fragrances, to ensure their children have access to familiar comforts in both homes.
The author has stocked up on a variety of items, including:
- Two bottles of their daughter’s favorite shampoo—one for each home.
- A travel-sized version and a full-sized bottle of the Replica perfume she loves.
- Hair products and body washes for their son, including a Versace cologne.
By providing duplicates of these personal items, the author aims to reduce the emotional stress associated with the transition. They also purchased additional moisturizers and pimple patches to support their children’s skincare needs, allowing the kids to feel confident and comfortable, regardless of where they are.
As the primary caregiver, the author has taken on the responsibility of ensuring their children have everything they need, including personal care items that contribute to their self-esteem. They often reflect on their own preferences, asking, “Would I want to go a full week without my favorite shampoo?” This thought process has guided their decisions in duplicating items.
Despite the benefits of this approach, some items remain challenging to duplicate.
The children still share items like a pair of Apple headphones and an iPad. Weekly packing includes clothes, shoes, and seasonal items like jackets, which adds to the logistical demands of managing their lives across two households.
Packing for the children can be exhausting. At times, the author even takes on the task of packing for them, understanding the emotional weight that comes with transitioning between homes. The effort to make this routine as seamless as possible reflects a deep commitment to their children’s well-being.
Communication with the children’s father remains limited, as the author prefers to minimize contact due to a less-than-ideal relationship. What matters most is that their children have what they need, alleviating any worries they might experience during these transitions.
Once the car is loaded and ready for the next journey, the author always takes a moment to share a laugh or a memory with the children. These small moments help ease the pain of separation. As the children leave, the author feels a surge of emotions, knowing that providing them with comfort items makes a significant difference in their lives, even when they are apart.
This approach not only addresses practical needs but also fosters emotional resilience, showing that thoughtful parenting can make transitions smoother for children navigating life after divorce.
