Attorney
It seems like summer has only just begun, but the smell of Scotch tape and newly sharpened pencils is already wafting through stores in the Albuquerque area. Whether the start of a new school year is something you dread or a much-anticipated event, there are many things you and your child’s other parent can do to make it go more smoothly.
1. Consult Your Parenting Plan
You may be newly divorced or a co-parenting pro, but your child custody agreement and parenting plan should still be your go-to guides when making decisions about your child’s education.
These documents should spell out who has the authority to determine what school your child will attend, how extracurricular activities are handled, who goes to parent-teacher conferences, and where your child is going to live during the school year.
If you have questions about how to interpret these documents, or need to request an official to them, it is time to schedule a meeting with an experienced New Mexico family law attorney like Bob Matteucci.
2. Divide and Conquer
If you and your child’s other parent have shared decision-making authority aka legal custody, it is only fair that you share responsibility for getting all the items on the back-to-school to-do list done.
One of you may enjoy shopping for school supplies, while the other excels at adding extracurriculars, spirit weeks, and the random days school is going to be closed to your family calendar. Working together shows your child that you are both invested in their education and can put aside differences for their sake.
3. Prioritize Consistency and Stability
Children thrive on routine and stability. Work together to create a consistent environment for your child, regardless of which parent they are with. Ensure that rules, expectations, and schedules are similar in both households. Consistency helps children feel secure and supported, especially during times of transition like the start of a new school year.
4. Celebrate Achievements Together
Finally, remember to celebrate even the small victories. Did your kid make it through the first week without losing any supplies? Did they run really fast in P.E. or make a new friend? Is their homework getting done on time? Celebrate these small victories and cement the expectation that this is going to be a great year.
If you can celebrate together with your child’s other parent, even better. Acknowledging your child’s hard work and accomplishments, and letting them know that both parents are proud of them can go a long way toward soothing anxieties and letting them know they are loved.
Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion
Back-to-school season is an important time for your child. Working with your child’s other parent to set expectations and plan for the year ahead will ensure your child is well-prepared.
While co-parenting may be challenging, your child’s success and well-being are worth the effort. And if you need back-up, you can always call on a seasoned family law attorney like Bob Matteucci to help you enforce your custody agreement and parenting plan, or negotiate a new one.