A brand new school year: Practical tips for divorced parents

 Posted on August 11, 2017 in Child Custody

If you are a newly divorced Texas resident with school-aged children, the upcoming school year might prove challenging, especially if you and your children are already feeling anxious about school. Remember, it is a new situation for everyone and adjusting to all the changes is not always an easy endeavor. Even with a well-planned child custody arrangement, it might take parents and their children time to adjust.

Fortunately, there are ways you can lessen the stress and anxiety for all with a little preparation. As long as you and your co-parent are willing to tackle the challenges cooperatively, it is possible to make the necessary transitions go a little smoother. Use the tips provided below to help your family survive and thrive in the new school year.

• Speak with teachers: Inform your child’s teachers about the family situation so that they can provide appropriate support for your child.
• Know your child’s schedule: You and your co-parent should be familiar with your child’s school schedule in order to avoid conflicts and keep things running smoothly.
• Cooperative shopping: Work with your co-parent to divide school shopping responsibilities and expenses in a fair and balanced manner.
• Joint child preparation: Both parents should prepare the children for school with consistent routines in both homes as well as positive communication about school.
• Stay accessible and prepared to communicate: Even after divorce, effective parenting requires communication. Be prepared to talk over schedules and matters related to education with your co-parent.

Many of the challenges associated with starting school after divorce can be mitigated with an effective child custody plan. Do not hesitate to talk with a family law attorney about how a new school year might affect your child custody arrangement.

Source: Our Family Wizard, “Five New School Year Tips For Divorced Parents,” accessed Aug. 11, 2017