The start of a new school year may be exciting for both you and your children. But a new school year can be a difficult transition for your family if you recently finalized your divorce.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40 to 50% of marriages end in divorce, so navigating a new school year is a common experience for many divorced parents. These tips can help streamline your family schedule and make the start of a new school year go smoothly.
1. Share all information
The onset of a new school year means that you will likely receive emails, mail and other communications from your children’s school about supply lists, dress codes, scheduling, extracurriculars and other details. If you are unsure if your co-parent received this same information, share it with him or her promptly.
2. Finalize schedules
After you finalize your divorce, you and your former spouse may take turns sharing school-related responsibilities, like pickup, drop-off, homework, etc. Go over these schedules and responsibilities before the first day of school with your co-parent.
3. Attend all school-related events
Make sure you and your ex are on the same page about the new school year by attending all back-to-school events together, if possible. If your co-parent cannot attend, tell him or her about the event and any new information you acquired while there.
Managing a new school year requires you and your ex to work cooperatively together. Put your children first during this process and commit to preparing for the first day of school jointly.
