School is in full swing right now. Our kids are back in class and working on homework and getting involved in extracurricular activities. This time of year can be exhausting for any family, but there are particular challenges at hand for co-parents.
Your busy and separate lives can make coordinating a consistent parenting plan difficult during this time of year. We want to help you navigate this all and make sure your kids get the best out of their school experience.
Put Your Child First
Before we get into any other aspect of coming up with a co-parenting plan, we want to emphasize prioritizing your child. Their needs must be put first in order for a plan to be successful. This means ensuring they have the time, resources, and transportation needed to get to and from school and any other necessary activities this time of year.
The courts will always focus on serving the best interests of the child, so if you fail to do the same, the courts may look down on your actions. Your possession and access periods could be put at risk if your ex asks for a modification based on a failure to put your child first.
Make a Schedule
This one may seem obvious but too many families suffer from just “winging it” this time of year. A schedule could be extremely beneficial for co-parents who aren’t often on the same page. This schedule should take into account visitation schedules and classroom time, and make room for extracurricular activities that your child may want to participate in.
What’s great about making a schedule is that it limits the need for frequent communication with your ex. If you and your ex don’t get along, a schedule can essentially replace some other forms of communication. Bonus tip: use a scheduling app that both of you can edit so you can make changes and updates as needed without additional direct communication.
Make Room for Schoolwork
We fully understand that you may have limited time with your child. This time should be cherished and used to create lasting memories between you and your little one. That said, some time must be dedicated to work the child must complete.
The temptation to focus on being the “fun” parent can be hard to resist, but it is imperative to show your kids the importance of education. During their formative years, they’re going to look to both parents for help and resources. Let them lean on you and work on their homework with you.
Cooperate
Cooperation is key. That doesn’t mean you have to lay down and accept whatever is thrown at you (especially when it’s unfair). It does mean you should try to be flexible and cooperate when changes benefit your child.
You separated from your ex for a reason. It can be hard to give them even an inch, but your child should never be used as collateral in these negotiations. If your child’s best interests will be served, it is important that both parents make it happen.
At Divorce in Texas, we fully understand how hard co-parenting can be. We work with families going through major changes and can help you through this time. If you need to develop a parenting plan or you think your ex isn’t putting your child first during this time of year, call our team and let us help you make it right.
Divorce Wise™
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