The back-to-school season can be even more stressful than planning for the summer break, especially for divorced parents who are still learning how to effectively co-parent in the aftermath of their divorce. Which parent will take their children to go shopping for school supplies and did you make sure you are both listed on your children’s school forms? You do not have to feel overwhelmed or confused during this time, however. There are ways to navigate your children’s return to school without too much of a hassle.
Sharing the Responsibility
The best way to ensure your children kick off the new school year right is to share responsibilities with one another and to always help your co-parent feel included in their lives. Regardless if you are on bad terms with one another, you are still a parent to your children and need to work together for the benefit of their wellbeing.
Below are some tips that will help the two of you have a more cooperative back-to-school experience:
- Sharing the costs: Your children are probably going to need some new school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, pens, calculators, and maybe even school uniforms. Most of these are one-time costs that you only have to deal with at the start of the new school year, but they can still be a hefty burden. Make a list of all the supplies your children will need to begin the new school year and then split which items you plan to pay for to ensure this responsibility is shared. Some child support orders include one-time expenses, such as back-to-school costs, so if yours already addresses this, it will not be a concern.
- Create a calendar to keep in each other in the loop: You should both be aware of back-to-school night, parent-teacher meetings, and sports games or other school performances your children might have. To keep each other in the loop and to ensure neither of you misses out on these important moments, create a calendar.
- Try to both be there for the first day: If your children are very young, going back to school can be an overwhelming experience, so you should both try to be there to drop them off on their first day back in school. If you cannot both be there, the one who is able to be there might want to take a picture and text it to the other. It will help your co-parent feel included and this kind gesture will not go unnoticed.
- Create a group chat for you and the kids: To discuss your children’s academic progress or any other topics that both of you should address when speaking to your children, create a group chat. Just make sure you set clear boundaries with your former spouse as to what you can and cannot discuss when using the group chat.
Contact a Compassionate Family Law Attorney Today!
At Singleton Smith Law Offices, Inc., our family law team is committed to providing knowledgeable and compassionate legal services for those who are in the midst of a family law matter. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and will help you navigate your way through from start to finish.
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