Change can be difficult for many people, and children of divorced or legally separated parents are no exception. As summer draws to a close and the new school year is on the horizon, this likely means a change in your child’s routine. To help make this transition as smooth as possible, and to ensure a great start to the new school year, we wanted to share 5 tips for parents who share custody of their children.
1: Keep Child Custody Arrangements Consistent
During your divorce proceeding, you likely came to an agreement with your ex regarding the custody arrangement of your child(ren). This includes an outline of after-school activities, nights with each parent, etc… Creating and sticking to a consistent co-parenting plan will help ease some of the confusion your children may feel as they begin the school year.
2. Utilize Technology to Improve Communication
Thanks to technology, it is often easier to keep track of where your kids are going and how they are feeling. Perhaps a shared online calendar that lists everyone’s activities, homework due dates, etc… will help everyone (yourself included!) feel more involved and in-the-know.
3. Talk to Teachers
Communicate with your child’s favorite teacher or counselor about your co-parenting situation so that they can keep on eye on how your child is handling the transition and come back to you with a progress report.
4. Track Expenses
Kids seems to constantly need money for field trips, lunches, new clothes, etc… It’s important that both parents keep track of these expenses, perhaps on a shared Excel spreadsheet, so that can be shared equally, or per the terms of your arrangement. An experienced divorce lawyer in Los Angeles will help you decide the best course of action for your situation. And of course, it is never a bad idea to keep receipts in case your ex questions your child-related expenses.
5. Stand Together
No matter how you may feel about your ex, at the end of the day, that person will (likely) play a role in your child’s life. If that is the case, it is important to show a unified front to your child(ren). Effective co-parenting often requires being on the same team about curfews, bedtimes, internet privileges, and more.
Hopefully these five tips will assist you, your ex, and your child in making the new school year a great one.
For more information about child custody co-parenting arrangements, contact the expert Los Angeles family lawyers at Walzer Melcher LLP today.
