Co-Parent Easily During the School Year by Utilizing These Tips

The arrival of autumn and the change in seasons signals a few things. Beyond the change of colors in the leaves and the much anticipated arrival of the pumpkin spice latte, it means back to school for kids. While kids are abuzz with the change in seasons, it can be tough to handle the switch between summer schedules and fall schedules with your child’s other parent in a child custody arrangement. Handle the transition smoothly by utilizing these co-parenting tips.

Schedules can get hectic for parents living in separate households raising a kid who is going back to school this fall. With technology advancements, many schools are revolutionizing as well, so make sure to take advantage of any online communications that you and your spouse can access to keep a better eye on your kid’s school work. In addition, allow both parents to be notified by the school about anything significant, that way no parent is out of the loop. Even though you are not together, try to attend the parent-teacher conferences together as this allows both parents to be a part of their child’s accomplishments and to know about any challenges they may be facing this school year.

Oftentimes, school projects are assigned that need the help of one or both parents. Feel free to take turns by coordinating a schedule that works for each individual parent. These tips are perfect for parents who utilize a joint child custody arrangement. These tips may not be best for those who have a sole-custody situation. Remember to keep the focus on your child and try to be flexible and understanding of any situation that may arise.

Kids are usually excited to go back to school, so allow them to relish in that moment but keep an eye out for any challenges that they may be struggling with. Comparing notes with your child’s other parent can help to identify areas where a child may be struggling. Remember to tackle these obstacles together if you can, as it can be most effective coming from both parents. Making a parenting plan and communicating regularly can help to make the process painless for everyone.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Eight Tips for Co-parenting Through the School Year After Divorce,” Carla Schiff Donnelly, September 1, 2017