Table of Contents

• Be Friendly At School And Sporting Events
• Encourage Your Child To Communicate With The Other Parent
• Notify The School To Include Both Parents On Communications
• Keep School Essentials Stocked In Both Homes
• Work To Be On The Same Page For Schedules
• Create A Shared Calendar
• Keep Bedtimes Consistent
• Focus On Homework In Both Homes
• Family Lawyers From Kaufman, Nichols, and Kaufman

While you may constantly be worried about how your divorce and co-parenting schedule affect your children, back-to-school season can add to that stress. If you and your co-parent can work together, sending your kids back to school can be less of a stressor. We have gathered some tips on how to ensure the beginning of the school year starts off on the right foot and help your child succeed throughout the school year. 

Be Friendly At School And Sporting Events

With back-to-school season comes a multitude of events and in-person gatherings. One of the best ways to start the school year off on the right foot is for both co-parents to be friendly and cordial at these events. Throughout the school year, when attending assemblies, sporting events, awards ceremonies, or extracurricular meetings, your child should never worry about their parents’ behavior when being together. Showing maturity and consistency for your child is the best way to set a good example for them. 

Encourage Your Child To Communicate With The Other Parent

Depending on your custody and visitation schedule, your child may spend a week with you and a week with another parent. Even on school nights when a child is at your home, encourage them to touch base with the other parent to discuss their school day, what they are looking forward to, or worries. A text, short FaceTime, or call can reinforce stability for a child with divorced parents. This may also encourage your child to invite both you and your co-parent to different events or be more likely to share their struggles as they grow up.

Notify The School To Include Both Parents On Communications

Providing the school with insight about custody and both parents’ contact information will ensure that nothing gets overlooked by either parent. Let administrators, coaches, counselors, and teachers know to communicate with both parents separately about any changes in schedule or essential updates. Since both parents don’t live in the same home, you should request multiple copies of report cards, permission slips, syllabi, and school updates.

Keep School Essentials Stocked In Both Homes

While keeping everything in your child’s backpack may seem convenient, it can get heavy and confusing for a small child. Instead of allowing your child to carry supplies, books, and sports equipment back and forth to school and both houses, it can be beneficial to have essentials stocked at both houses. This may be expensive for certain items like sports equipment, but having just the essential school supplies like pencils, pens, erasers, snacks, and hygiene items at both homes can help a child stay prepared. Frantic trips or running late are common with children, so having extra clothing and supplies at both homes will save you time and stress on a chaotic day. 

Work To Be On The Same Page For Schedules

Both parents, whether divorced or not, should work to be on the same page, especially during the back-to-school season. Coordinating your schedules and staying on top of your children’s activities will reduce stress for all parties. Here are some ways to ensure you are on the same page as co-parents.

Create A Shared Calendar

If you don’t already have a shared online calendar with your co-parent, this is the first place to start. Shared calendars make keeping track of sports practices, dentist appointments, and performances much easier and avoid missing anything important. A shared calendar can also help parents keep track of drop-off and pick-up days, separate vacations, or either parent’s work schedule.

Keep Bedtimes Consistent

Especially during back-to-school season, consistent bedtimes are essential for a productive school day and happy children. Children with divorced parents may experience different rules at each parent’s house, which can be tricky if your children try to rebel against your rules. Co-parents should be on the same page about consistent rules like bedtime on a school night, hanging out with different friends, or screen time.

Focus On Homework In Both Homes

Many of us have different skills and talents, which may be hard when children need help with homework; however, this isn’t a reason to be lax with your child on completing homework. Co-parents should be disciplined about checking a child’s backpack for homework and providing as much help as possible through the child’s learning. Consistency during the school year is the best way to raise healthy children.

Family Lawyers From Kaufman, Nichols, and Kaufman

When your family or the future of your life is on the line, KNK Law can help you have peace of mind and success. KNK Law has been offering legal help for many years, helping Utah families find better stability, peace, and consistency. Our lawyers are here to help you through every step of a divorce or criminal case. We are Northern Utah’s most respected full-service law firm that is here to represent families, individuals, and couples, no matter the situation. Reach out to us to schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers and determine if we are the right fit for your needs.