How to Prepare for the New School Year as a Co-Parent
Living
as a co-parent in a child custody arrangement is not easy for everyone. Even if
you are able to communicate well with the other parent, the situation can still
be challenging to navigate. As a co-parent, the most difficult time of the year
is often when school resumes. Why? Having a child go back to school is not only
stressful on you, but on the child, as well. Below, you will find some tips for
preparing for the new school year as a co-parent so it goes off without a hitch.
Get Everyone on the Same Page
The
most important thing you can do in preparing for a new school year is to get
everyone on the same page, including the other parent. Everyone should have the
schedule from the school for the year so that there are no questions about the
first day or when the child has days off from school. Arguments are more likely
to occur when the parents are not on the same page. It does not mean that the
two of you need to be cordial or have a good relationship. You must simply be
on the same page when it comes to dealing with the school year.
Attend Events Together
It
is important for a child to have both parents at school events. There is no reason for the two of
you to trade events. You do not have to sit together, or even on the same side
of the room, but you should both attend the events unless you have other
obligations.
Share the Back-to-School Shopping
One
parent should not be responsible for back-to-school shopping, even if there is
a child support agreement in place. Back-to-school shopping is something both
parents should take part in, even if it is done separately with the child. This
is a great time to bond with your child, talk about the upcoming school year,
and help boost your child’s confidence, especially if he or she is worried
about what is to come.
The
first day of school is not the time to discuss issues with custody or child
support with the other parent, especially if your child is present. This is
your child’s big day. Let him or her enjoy the day without any drama from the parents.
If you are that concerned about custody or support, write an email and send it to the
parent at the end of the day. The same goes for any school event throughout the
year. You need to keep your family business out of the public eye and away from
your child. Your kid will have enough to worry about at school; he or she
should not have to worry if mom and dad will get into a fight.
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