If you are a newly divorced parent, you might be overwhelmed at the prospect of having to prepare your children for their first day back at school after the summer break. Preparing for the new school season is stressful enough without having to navigate a new dynamic with your co-parent, so how are you supposed to get through this experience with as little frustration and conflict as possible? We have some tips for you.
Back-to-School Tips for Newly Divorced Parents
Going back to school will also be difficult for your children who are likely still trying to cope with the changes your family underwent. They might still wonder if they were at fault for the divorce or if they could have done anything to prevent it, so you need to do what you can to ease these fears.
Here are some tips that will help you prepare your children for the new school year:
- Be a good listener: Encourage your children to talk to you about their concerns and make sure you listen to them. Their first time back in school after your divorce will feel different for them, so continue to ask them how their day was and always remind them that they can come to you.
- Start a comfortable routine for them: Stability and routine is key to helping children feel safe and secure, so create one for your children and coordinate with your co-parent to ensure there is continuity between households. A routine can involve the time and place you will drop-off and pick-up your kids and what time they are expected to finish their homework.
- Meet with your children’s teachers: Your children’s teachers should be aware of the divorce, so they can observe your children and look out for any indications that they are struggling. Your children’s teachers should also be aware that both of you expect to be notified of any concerns they have regarding your children.
- Work on communicating effectively with your former spouse: To raise your children, you and your ex-spouse will need to effectively communicate. For some, effective communication can only happen through texts or over the phone, while others are able to do it in-person. Figure out what works best for you, so you can reduce the number of arguments you have. The more child-focused your conversations are, the less likely you will argue about other resentments you are still holding onto.
- School should be a safe place: After a divorce, there is a lot of uncertainty, which is damaging for a child. School provides a stable and safe environment where children can thrive, so do not let any of the negative aspects of your divorce infiltrate this safe space. Your arguments do not belong at school.
Contact Our Family Law Team Today!
If you are in the midst of a family law dispute, you need to reach out to the team at Alternative Divorce Solutions for the compassionate and skilled legal guidance you need to navigate the complexities of your situation. Our family law team is committed to providing the highest level of customer service that you deserve during this difficult time.
Contact our office today at 949-368-2121 to schedule a case review.