With the back to school season in full swing, co-parents in NH might feel challenged to navigate new routines, homework, and after-school activities on top of already agreed upon shared custody schedules and responsibilities. Just when you thought you managed co-parenting challenges during summer vacation, September rolls around and you’re back to the drawing board.
Rather than butt heads with your co-parent or put yourselves through any additional, undue stress, take a look at these strategies to help you create a positive and organized experience for your family.
As always, prioritize clear and consistent communication.
Sure, we all know that successful co-parenting depends on clear and consistent communication, no matter the season. But, when we throw back to school into the mix, it doesn’t take long for important details and logistics to get lost in translation. In defense of clarity, regardless of school year changes, we recommend making a list to ensure that you and your co-parent check the boxes on crucial details.
Start with school schedules and make sure you’re both fully aware of the school’s calendar, including holidays, early dismissals, and important events like parent-teacher conferences.
The same goes for custody and transportation to and from school, as well as after school activities. Clarify who will be responsible for drop-offs and pick ups in order to prevent any confusion or missed commitments.
Figure out the financial obligations for school-related fees and supplies, whether that means uniforms or the cost of extracurricular activities.
Establish your emergency contacts, making sure you’re both listed. It’s also a good idea to communicate your custody arrangement with the school in order to keep everyone on the same page.
If communication between you and your co-parent is too difficult to manage face to face or over the phone, lean into co-parenting apps, shared calendars, and email to finalize these details and avoid chaos-causing confusion.
Keep honest with agreed-upon routines.
Kids thrive when they understand routine and expectations, which is why establishing and committing to both is so critical. We recognize that you and your co-parent aren’t robots; however, aiming for consistency is a sound strategy that will only support the success of your family overall.
This involves agreeing on similar morning and bedtime routines, as well as homework expectations, study habits, and screen time limits.
By prioritizing a sense of predictability, you should both feel confident that your child or children will thrive, no matter which home they’re spending the week or weekend.
Present a united front at school and extracurricular events.
Depending on your co-parenting relationship, this might be the toughest, but so worth it. Whenever possible, present a united front at school events, including parent-teacher conferences, sports, drama, concerts, whatever matters to your child, make it matter to both of you and show up as a team.
If this isn’t manageable, alternate attendance or agree to update the co-parent who was unable to attend with any pertinent details, photos, etc.
Co-parenting can be complicated, no matter how supportive your relationship with your ex-spouse might be. Should you find yourself struggling with custody or other co-parenting issues or if you’re considering divorcing in NH with kids, we’re here to help you make sense of your situation. Give us a call anytime at 603-945-5111 or contact us here.
