The end of summer is approaching fast, which means back to school is around the corner. For children of divorced parents, this time of year can be tricky.
This article will share 12 tips to help newly divorced parents start the school year on the right note.
1.) Facilitate open communication
You’ve heard the saying “communication is key,” and it really is, especially for co-parents. If you happen to receive information regarding your child, their needs and activities, share it with your ex-spouse. Keeping each other in the loop regarding your child is important for a smooth co-parenting experience.
2.) Create a shared family calendar and update it often
Having a shared calendar whether it be a traditional paper one, or an online one, helps keep everyone in the loop regarding your child. Within a shared calendar, you can keep track of extracurricular activities or events, doctors appointments, homework and project deadlines, school photo days, family vacations, and more.
3.) Communicate about back-to-school supplies
Back-to-school supplies can be costly. It’s helpful when ex-spouses work together to pay for certain items. Doing this could set a positive tone for more amicable co-parenting.
4.) Drop your children off together on the first day of school
Although this might be tough to do, it’s just one day, an important one that would mean a lot to your child. This display of unity will show your child that you’re a family unit regardless if you’re still married or not.
5.) Get on the same page when it comes to homework, deadlines, and obligations
Parents that agree in the beginning to share homework duties as equally as possible helps facilitate a more cohesive co-parenting experience. This lack of communication and duties can put unnecessary pressure on the child. Parents should agree to keep each other informed and share homework deadlines and progress reports with each other regularly.
6.) Ensure your child’s backpack stays with them
A great way to help your child stay on track and complete homework assignments on time, is by ensuring any assignment folders and other necessary books and materials are kept with them from home to home.
7.) If possible, attend parent-teacher conferences together
Although some parents might prefer to attend these meetings separately, going to parent-teacher conferences together makes it easier on teachers and shows them that everyone is on the same page when it comes to supporting your child.
8.) Share pictures of your child with the other parent
When one parent isn’t able to attend important events and milestones, emailing them or texting them photos is a great way to show your commitment to co-parenting.
9.) If possible, maintain contact with former in-laws and your ex’s family history
Your child might have school assignments that require family photos or information. If you completely remove the other half of your child’s family, you’re also discounting half of your child. It’s important to represent both sides equally.
If possible, try and include your ex spouse’s family members at birthday parties, extracurricular activities like dance or baseball, and more events to demonstrate a united front post-divorce.
10.) Share any “breaking” health information quickly
If you hear something important regarding your child such as lice or pink eye running rampant at your child’s school, inform the other parent immediately. While the school may contact each parent to let them know, it’s important for both parents to have that information quickly so they can both look out for symptoms.
In other instances, where your child might wake up with a fever with one parent and can’t attend school, it’s important to let the other parent know as soon as possible.
11.) Plan for inclement weather days and teacher in-service days
Inclement weather days, or teacher in-service days are unpredictable, and while decrees and child custody orders usually let parents know who is responsible for taking the children when these events happen, these situations can still lead to confusion.
Because of the unpredictability of these situations, planning out how to deal with these days in advance is important.
12.) If there are any roadblocks, work with a parent facilitator
It’s normal for ex-spouses to disagree on issues pertaining to your children, if this occurs, having a parent facilitator can help sort things out. A parent facilitator is a great, objective resource that can help settle disputes. Fore example, you might want a mediation to help with decisions such as whether private or public school is right for your child, or for instances when one parent feels like they have a heavier load than the other.
Use these tips to help make back to school easier for you and your child
For newly divorced parents, co-parenting is no easy feat. It’s important to find a groove for both yourselves and your child. Follow these tips to help you co-parent effectively and start the school year on a good note for your child.