Back to School Tips for Co-Parents

Parenting under the best of circumstances requires a lot of communication and cooperation. While separated and divorced, it is vital to get on the same page for the sake of your children. To help everyone get onto the same page for the new school year, try these:

1. Communicate with each other about school events and schedules.
2. Coordinate pick-ups, drop-offs, and extracurricular activities. If you are splitting the cost of school supplies, coordinate this too.
3. Create a plan upfront and adhere to it throughout the year to cut down on conflicts further down the road.
4. Meet teachers together and inform them if your separation is new or in the process so everyone can be sensitive to the situation’s impact on the child.
5. Share information about school lunches and activities to test grades and significant projects. You might create a weekly update to stay on top of everything.
6. Both parents should attend school events and teacher meetings. If necessary, sit on the opposite side of the room.
7. Create a shared calendar to make coordination easier.
8. Agree on bedtime, screen time, and homework schedules. Consistency between homes is essential for a young student.
9. When one parent cannot attend a special event, you should share photos or updates with each other. You are still a family.

If you need support and have questions about co-parenting, contact our Client Coach.