Previously, we provided tips for co-parenting over the summer. Even though summer just started, it is a good time to begin to plan for the next school year. With a little planning and thoughtfulness, you and your co-parent can make your children’s transitions into the new school year smooth.
First, review the new school year calendar and your visitation plan. Make sure you and your co-parent both have copies of the new school year calendar. In Las Vegas, you can find the Clark County School District calendar at www.ccsd.net/district/calendar. You and your co-parent can use this time to make decisions about extracurricular activities and additional commitments for the new school year. Co-author and co-editor of “Hope After Divorce,” Lisa LaBelle, notes that your children should be included in these discussions as they benefit from seeing their parents make decisions together peacefully. Moreover, these discussions reinforce to your children their importance to you.
Second, meet your children’s teachers and volunteer at their schools. If you and co-parent are able, attend parents’ night or school meetings together to reinforce that you are a team for your children’s wellbeing. Even if you cannot do so together, make sure you and your co-parent both have the information to attend the events and meetings. Also, according to Ms. LaBelle, volunteering in your children’s school helps increase their sense of security and self-confidence.
Third, speak with your co-parent about your children’s financial needs for the new school year. These needs include fees for extracurricular activities, fees for religious school, school supplies, lunch money and school clothing. If your decree or custody order does not spell out specifically how these expenses will be divided, and most do not, you and your co-parent may have a good deal of conflict with payment for these expenses. You should both remember that it would be a shame for your children to miss out on exploring their interests and developing their talents because of your inability to communicate.
Fourth, watch for signs of your children having trouble transitioning to a new grade. These signs often include sleeplessness, loss of appetite, being quick to anger and inability to focus. You and your co-parent should discuss how your children are doing with their new classes and keep in touch with their teachers to make sure they are not acting out at school or having other problems. If there are problems, your children will benefit from both parents getting involved to address their concerns. Again, your children should see that you and your co-parent act a team for their benefit.
If you and your co-parent are unable to work out these or other issues, see the Las Vegas family law attorneys at Pecos Law Group.