Any transition in life can be challenging to go through, especially for kids. As the end of summer approaches, divorced parents can work together to minimize the stress their children may experience when going back to school. Co-parenting effectively through this time helps children to feel supported and more comfortable with the changes that are about to occur.
Back to School Co-Parenting Tips
For kids, going back to school often comes with worries about their academic and social lives. Children of parents who recently went through a divorce have to deal with the additional stressors associated with adjusting to the different family dynamic. Fortunately, there are some things co-parents can do to help ease the transition back to school for their children, including:
- Co-hosting an event – The end of summer is a great time for parents to co-host a celebration. Children will appreciate the opportunity to be with both parents, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for the new school year.
- Sharing the cost of school supplies – Deciding early who will take the child shopping and pay for their school supplies can help to avoid unnecessary arguments. Coordinating ahead of time also helps to prevent duplicate purchases and other complications.
- Attending a teacher meeting together – Meeting with the child’s teacher together helps everyone to be on the same page regarding the child’s best interests. The beginning of the school year is an opportune time to communicate goals and plans.
- Coordinating schedules – Co-parents may wish to coordinate their schedules so that they can attend school events together. Having both parents there for support helps children to feel confident and secure.
- Keeping the lines of communication open – When co-parenting, it is important to communicate with each other regarding the child’s needs. This is especially true when children are going back to school, which often comes with additional responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
- Gradually adjusting the child’s schedule – Getting the child used to going to bed and waking up earlier can help them to adjust to their new school schedule. Children may require up to 12 hours of sleep per night to function optimally, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
- Establishing a routine – Children appreciate having a stable routine. Establish things like what time the child will go to bed, eat breakfast, and who will help the child with homework to make them feel more comfortable.
Review Your Co-Parenting Plan
If couples already have a co-parenting plan in place, it may be a good time to review the agreement to see if any changes need to be made. In Maryland, a parenting plan may be modified only if there is a material change in circumstances that fundamentally affects the best interest of the child. It is advisable for co-parents to seek the counsel of a qualified attorney in their local area, as the laws on child custody vary by state.
Towson Family Law Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Knowledgeable Assistance with Co-Parenting Plans
Contact a Towson family law lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC for assistance with drafting or modifying your parenting plan. Our experienced attorneys represent clients throughout the state from our offices conveniently located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 443-589-0150.
We proudly serve the areas of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County, Maryland.
