Back to School Tips for Divorced Parents

Going back to school is an exciting time for children and parents alike, and because you want your children to reap the rewards of a successful school year, planning ahead is generally the best policy. If you and your ex have found a means of communicating openly and co-parenting effectively, you can consider yourself ahead of the game, but regardless of where you stand in terms of co-parenting, there are some tips that can help make the path forward smooth sailing (or at least less rocky). If you have concerns about your parenting arrangements, remember that an experienced Illinois parenting time attorney can help.

Look to Your Parenting Plan

While your schedule is changing, it does not alter the fact that the parenting plan you received upon your divorce remains in effect, which means that you will need to address your back-to-school concerns within the parameters set by your plan. If your parenting plan is no longer up to the task of guiding you and your ex’s parenting schedule, a parenting time modification may be in order. 

Set Your Sights on Success

The advent of the school year signals many things, including new opportunities for your children’s success, which should be your primary focus. Although there is plenty to do in order to help ensure that the school year runs smoothly, the opportunities afforded your children in the process help to make all that effort worthwhile. 

Make Open Communication a Priority

The new school year throws a lot of scheduling challenges your way – not to mention increased demands in terms of organizing transportation and simply fielding all the details that go along with going back to school. Even if you and your ex are at considerable odds, you are likely on the same page in terms of fostering your children’s success at school, and focusing on this shared goal may help you open up the lines of communication. If limited communication is where you’re at, however, you should make sure that you both understand the ins and outs of the upcoming school year and that you have a plan for addressing whatever comes your way – electronic communication is often the best path forward. 

Expect the Unexpected

With the new year, you should be prepared to take on, tackle, and divide all of the following tasks between you: 

• Back to school shopping
• School bus schedules and other transportation plans
• Emergency plans for sick days, snow days, and other unforeseen events
• Daycare for after school and before school
• Back-to-school vaccines and physicals
• Help with homework
• Changes in bedtime routines
• Children taking on new responsibilities

While you can’t plan for everything, expecting the unexpected can help you take on the new school year with increased confidence. 

Discuss Your Concerns with an Experienced Illinois Parenting Time Attorney Today

Going back to school can spark the need for parenting time modifications, and the Illinois parenting time attorneys at Sabuco Beck, PC not only understand the gravity of your concerns but are well prepared to help. For more information, please don’t delay contacting us today.