Back to School Tips During Divorce

Going back to school can be hectic and stressful for parents and children alike. While some families embrace it with excitement, the end of summer break can also lead to increased feelings of anxiety. Back to school can be painful after a divorce, especially if the wounds remain fresh. In such a situation, getting along with your ex-spouse may be difficult, but it is important that the children’s needs are addressed.

When you and your former spouse are co-parenting, you want to make the back-to-school experience as smooth and comfortable as possible for your children. Here are a few helpful tips to make the transition back to the classroom a little easier:

Commit to Transparent Communication

Keeping open communication can be challenging, especially if you had a rough divorce process. However, it’s essential to maintain open and transparent communication, even if you and your ex-spouse aren’t on the best terms.

If you receive information about your child’s school schedule or other updates, you should share it with the other parent. .

Keep a Calendar

You can also make things simpler by creating a shared virtual calendar containing your  children’s schedules and appointments. For example, you can use a free Google calendar to share information and keep track of various  activities such as sports events, homework and project deadlines, doctor appointments, school photo days, and family vacations. This calendar should be viewable and editable by all family members to ensure no one misses anything.

Drop off Your Kids Together on the First Day of School

Even though it might be difficult for newly divorced parents, dropping off your children together can help send a positive message to your children. It shows your family is still supportive of them regardless of your personal differences. Subsequently, if your ex-spouse cannot make it on the first day of school, take photos and share them with the other parent as common courtesy.

Attend Parent-teacher Conferences Together

Most schools allow parents to schedule separate parent-teacher conferences. However, when possible it is advisable to attend together– for the sake of everyone involved. This shows that regardless of your family’s “legal” situation, you’re all strong and working as a team to ensure your  children’s educational success. In addition, working as a team can motivate your children to put in more effort at school and sends a positive message to their teachers.

Get in Touch with a Cincinnati Divorce Attorney

At Wagner & Bloch, we know that back to school is a significant task for Cincinnati divorcing parents. If you need assistance with your divorce or planning your children’s back-to-school schedule, get in touch with our attorneys.
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Contact us today for a consultation and learn more about our legal services.