It may feel odd to think about back-to-school, with temperatures in the 80’s, kids at camp or on vacation, and summertime in full swing.
Yet if you’re separated, contemplating divorce, or heading into the pre- or post-Labor Day school year as a co-parent (especially if you’re newly divorced), now is the perfect time to think back-to-school— because you can do something about it. You can make the transition for your kids— and yourself— easier and more seamless.
What can you do, as a co-parent, to help children of divorce go back to school? O’Cathain Law Group Family Law Department has a few helpful tips:
- Identify a schedule. Consult your district’s school calendar, your custody plan (if you have one), and your parenting plan (if you have one) and attempt to set a realistic schedule for the 2024 – 2025 school year. Consult with your co-parent so they can offer input, thoughts and advice on the schedule. Try to identify issues early on (does your kid have soccer practice, so that’s a tight time? What about the weekend of the school musical?). Anticipating how the school year is going to proceed will help you game it out early, while still allowing you and your family to be flexible.
- Handle back to school shopping as co-parents. We’re not necessarily advising you to go shopping together, but to communicate about who needs what, how much you’re prepared to spend, and when the kids need it by. Diving into back-to-school shopping now can save you money, as you may not need to spend on costly shipping fees; time, so you’re not rushing at the last minute; and heartache, if, say, your tween has their heart set on a particular brand, and you just can’t get it. Plus, if you have joint physical custody and your kids spend time each week at two different residences, you may want to get duplicates of some items.
- Discuss the homework strategy so it’s consistent. Kids constantly complain they have too much homework, and as a co-parent (or potential co-parent) you need to be aware of how their homework’s progressing on a nightly and weekly basis. With two co-parents potentially nagging them about their homework, you’d think you might have it all covered— but it’s easier for it to slip through the cracks. Discuss the homework game plan with your co-parent and your kids before they fall behind.
- Set realistic expectations for the school year. The school year is not always straight A’s, winning games, popularity and awesome extracurriculars. There will be bumps along the way, be they in classes, sports, friendships or after-school clubs. Have a conversation with your kids about their strengths and their weaknesses (and, potentially, how their cell phone can help or hinder their day-to-day school year). Talking about how to navigate tough times in the school year— that includes potentially terrifying moments, like a drill for an active school shooter, and more personal moments, like the fallout of a separation or a divorce— can help prepare them and you for the school year ahead.
- Schedule something fun to welcome the school year. Whether it’s a trip to the air-conditioned movies over Labor Day weekend or taking your kids and a few friends for ice cream after their first back-to-school day, doing something to let your kids know you’re excited for them (especially during or immediately after a divorce) can kick off the school year in the right spirit.
Everyone at O’Cathain Law Group Family Law Department wishes you and your family an awesome 2024 – 2025 school year!
Thinking of divorce? We know how to help you Move Forward during the school year— or at any time of year. Fill out a form here to get started, or, if you’re a new client, call (848) 356-4424.
(201)488-1161 
