Co-Parenting and Back-to-School Season:  Helpful Tips for a Successful Year

A new school year means new routines and schedules. Keeping track of it all requires teamwork and good communication between parents. For separated or divorced parents, this can present additional challenges as they try to coordinate school activities, transportation, timesharing and other social commitments for their children.

Here are some helpful tips to co-parent successfully, minimize conflict and most importantly, support your children for a great school year.

1. Keep Your Child’s School Informed. When co-parenting, it is imperative that the school is informed of current contact information for both parents, including any child related court orders, Parenting Plan or timesharing schedule. Keeping the school informed helps teachers and administrators support your child while ensuring school procedures align with any legal arrangements that may affect pick-up, communication, or parental access. Rather than relying on the other parent to share information, each parent should maintain a direct line of communication with teachers and school staff. Staying informed and involved helps create a consistent, supportive environment where children can thrive both at home and at school.

2. School Supplies, Uniforms and Other Materials. Before school starts, parents should discuss what the child will need to begin the new school year. This includes purchasing uniforms, notebooks, bookbags, electronics and other school supplies. Most Parenting Plans already include provisions regarding these items and how the cost will be shared. For parents who are recently separated, a discussion or email will be necessary to avoid overburdening one parent with the task and costs of gathering all the supplies and uniforms. It’s important to do this early so your child is properly prepared for their first day of school.

3. First Day of School. Parents of young children understand the importance of the first day of school. This is a day many parents cherish and hold dear. Both may want to be present at school and share this experience. Parents should communicate regarding their expectations for the first day of school to avoid any unpleasant surprises and maintain the focus on their child. This principle also applies to all other school activities and functions in which your child participates.

4. Get Your Calendars In Sync. Whether you use Google calendar or special applications like Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents, a central calendar to manage your child’s schedule and activities is needed. This includes what home the child will be staying in during certain days, extracurricular activities, medical appointments, special school functions and which parent is responsible for transportation. This calendar should provide updates in real time. This will prevent miscommunications and missed activities. Both parents must check this calendar frequently and communicate about any changes or new appointments. Remember that you are working as a team for the benefit of your child.

5. Homework. A child’s academic success is the responsibility of both parents. Each parent must enroll in the student or classroom portal to keep track of and access homework assignments. Both parents should discuss and agree to a homework routine. This allows both parents to make sure it is completed when the child is in her or his home. One parent should not be consistently saddled with ensuring all the homework is completed.

A successful school year for your child requires proper planning, open communication and cooperation between parents. Following these tips will help achieve A+ results in your back-to-school co-parenting journey.