Co-Parenting and Back to School

 Posted on August 26, 2015 in Children and Divorce

Summer is in its final stages and for students and their parents across Illinois, it is time to start thinking about the upcoming academic year. For some families, this is a return to the same old routine. For others, this year marks the beginning of a new stage in the student's school career such as kindergarten, high school, or college.

For students of divorced parents, adjusting to a new school year can have additional concerns. Going back to school means a new schedule and new responsibilities for you and your former partner. Prepare for these new responsibilities with your former spouse by discussing it with him or her before the end of the summer. Set some ground rules and expectations for your child during the school year and be consistent with them. Co-parenting your child is a team effort. Take the following tips into consideration as you prepare for your child to go back to school this fall.

Get Involved with Your Child's Schooling

Do not expect your former spouse to take on all school-related responsibilities. Make an effort to be involved in your child's schooling by going to events like teacher conferences and back to school night. Help your son or daughter with his or her homework and take the time to discuss what he or she is doing in school.

Communicate with Your Former Partner

If you are concerned about your child's progress, talk to his or her other parent about it to form a plan to get your child back on track. This plan might involve tutoring or sitting out of a sports season to focus on schoolwork.

Also be sure to communicate about your child's financial needs during the school year. This can include money for school supplies or for enrichment programs and field trips. Determine who will purchase which item ahead of time to avoid double purchases.

Be Ready to Be Flexible

If academic demands cut into your visitation or custody time, be ready to work around them. Discuss any schedule disruptions you anticipate with your former spouse ahead of time. Be willing to work with him or her to create consistent rules for your child – if your former partner does not want him or her to watch television on weeknights until his or her homework is done, enforce this rule during your parenting time as well. Undermining your former partner can lead to resentment, which can lead to larger arguments.

Every school year brings emotional and social growth for your child. Listen to his or her needs. As your child grows, your parenting has to grow with him or her.

Family Attorneys in Kane County

Make this school year a productive one by taking an active role in your child's education. For more tips about navigating the world of parenting after divorce, contact Goostree Law Group at 630-584-4800. Our passionate Kane County family law attorneys can answer any legal questions you have and represent you in the event you need to modify your child support or custody order.