As the summer break ends, a new school year is here. Children are shifting gears from their summer vacation to getting back into their regular school routine. Any changes, such as a new school year, can have a significant impact on a child, including changes in their emotions, behaviors, academic performance, social relationships, and physical health. 

For children of divorce or separated families, a new school year presents unique challenges as they are not just facing the transition back-to-school but are also learning how to navigate new routines in different households. Children of divorced families often deal with more emotional stress than their peers, and the beginning of a new school year can amplify their feelings of instability and anxiety. Children may worry about the unknown and struggle with feelings of uncertainty.  

At McGill Law, we understand that the back-to-school transition could be a tough time for your family and are here to offer guidance to ease that transition. Children of divorced families do better when their parents effectively co-parent. By parents recognizing and understanding the challenges their children face, while figuring out how to work together, it will show their children that while some things change, not everything will be different. Here are some tips to better support your children this back-to-school season: 

Consistancy

Moving from different households is taxing on a child’s daily routine. Keeping their routines as similar as possible at each household, including bedtimes, wake up times, mealtimes, homework times and extracurricular activities can help ease the transition and provide a sense of stability. 

 Be Involved with the School

Both parents should be actively involved in their child’s education, attending school events and activities. Parents should have access to school records and be made aware of any school activities they can attend. Parents should utilize the school staff for extra support in their children’s lives. It is important to inform their children’s teachers and counselors about their home situation, so that they can provide additional support for the children. 

Communication

It is important that parents communicate with each other on their children’s education. Parents should be in regular communication, updating one another on school events and homework assignments. The children should never be placed in the middle, being forced to relay information to the other parent. Miscommunication between the parents can lead to forgotten items for school and activities, and confusion about which parent is doing what. Parents can check out a co-parenting app designed to facilitate communication and a shared calendar to keep track of all their children’s events. 

At McGill Law, we are dedicated to supporting families through transitionary periods. Our experienced attorneys will provide legal guidance and resources to help you better co-parent, ensuring that your children thrive at home and in school.