Back-to-School for Divorcing Parents
If you are in the process of ending your marriage, there is a good chance that you are beginning to realize that your life is much different compared to when you were married. If you have children, the differences are probably even more notable. For many divorced parents, the first school year after the divorce is the most challenging, as they must establish new routines for their children and boundaries for the parents. When back-to-school season falls in the midst of your divorce, you will need to take steps to ensure that your children have every possible opportunity to succeed.
Figure Out a Way to Cooperate
Every situation is unique, and there is no easy way to decide how you and your spouse will work together regarding school. Decisions regarding the allocation of parental responsibility may still be pending, so you might both still share decision-making authority for school-related concerns. The best option is for you and your spouse to put your differences aside and to create a plan designed to let your child thrive in the new school year. If this is not possible, you may need to ask the court to issue a temporary order allowing you to make education plans on your own.
Planning for Open House
The new school year will probably start with some type of orientation or open house where you can tour the school, meet the teachers, and look at what your child will be doing this year. If you can manage it, invite events such as these with your spouse so that you both get the same information from the teachers and the school. If things are too tense, make arrangements to attend the events separately so that neither of your misses important information. You should both also have access to online resources for seeing your child’s assignments, grades, and other materials throughout the year.
Consistent Rules
One of the most important steps you should take is to establish a consistent routine for your child, even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have separated. Regardless of which home your child is in, expectations and rules should be the same—or at least similar. If you want homework done immediately after school at your house, the other parent should expect the same from your child. Morning and bedtime routines should remain roughly the same as well. Be sure to give your child the things he or she will need at each house, such as a quiet place to study, pencils, and other supplies so that your child cannot use your living situation as an excuse for late projects or missed homework.
We Can Help
As the school year goes along, communication will be crucial for you, your spouse, and your child. For guidance with communicating throughout the divorce process, contact an experienced Geneva family law attorney. Call 630-232-9700 for a confidential consultation at The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates today.
Sources:
http://www.divorcemag.com/articles/back-to-school-tips-for-families-after-separation-or-divorce
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelle-crosby/back-to-school-after-a-di_b_5844010.html
