Defending Your Custody Agreement: Protecting Your Education Choices

Working Together: Back To School Tips For Divorced Parents With Children

6 January 2016 by Daryl Young

The start of a new school year can be stressful for anyone, but ex-spouses who have difficulty communicating with one another can find the beginning of school tough. When you have children and you are divorced, it's important to keep your goals and the goals for your children in mind at all times. With clear communication and solid preparation, it's possible to get your child ready for school when you discuss the basic needs of your child with your ex. 

List Both Parents as Contacts for the Child

School notices and report cards are important for both parents to read, and each parent should receive their own copy. This way, the child is not placed in the middle, having to bring notices back and forth from one parent to the other. Let your child's school know that you are divorced and that you will both need your own copy of any important information that gets sent home with children. Both parents should also be listed as emergency contacts at your child's school, as both parents should be informed whenever there is an emergency.

Discuss Needs Before the School Year Begins

If you can meet before the school year begins in a neutral place, this will ensure that a transition back to school goes smoothly for your child. You can discuss any after school activities, who will be responsible for providing school supplies, and you can talk about creating an online calendar that you can share in order to keep track of everything going on in your child's life. If you don't feel comfortable meeting in person, you can communicate through email to talk about your child's needs for the upcoming school year.

Make Sure the School Knows Your Situation

The school should not be the place where one parent tries to prove they are better than the other, but the school should know that your child has two parents who are divorced. This way, your child's teacher can keep a close eye on any struggles your child may be having because of your divorce. If the split is recent, consider taking the time to meet with your child's teacher to talk about your concerns for the upcoming year.

Both parents have the right to know what's going on with their child during the school day, and both parents should be informed if there are any concerns regarding the child's development or educational needs. When you can work together, your child will benefit. For more information on topics that have to do with family law, contact a firm like Pagel Family Law.

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