Back to School Tips for Co-Parents

Back-to-School time can be hectic, and it may mean even more planning when co-parenting school age children.  These timely back-to-school tips may help co-parents and their children prepare for a great school year ahead:

(1)   Share School Portal Information Early – If your school has a portal, email addresses for home room teachers and coaches, and newsletters for parents, forward the sign-up information to your co-parent as soon as possible. The ability of each parent to have direct access to this school-related information helps assure both parents have the ability to be equally informed -- and helps avoid one parenting feeling burdened by frequently supplying this information to the other parent.

(2)   Share Important Dates – If you know of the date of special activity, event, important test, or special project involving your child, especially if it is not easily found on shared portals, forward that information to the other parent.   When both parents are aware of the child’s special events and the preparations and responsibilities associated with those events, both parents can share in the reminders and take action to help the child feel supported and be successful in their activity.

(3)   Regularly Review Your Child’s Academic Progress – If your child’s school has an academic portal, you can view their grade and teachers’ comments in “real time.”  When both parents know how their child is doing in school, they are poised to share in the praise and share in needed guidance for the child, as a team and on a timely basis.

(4)    Have Scheduled Parent-to-Parent Discussion About Your Child’s Educational Needs – Some of my clients have provided in their Settlement Agreements for an annual meeting to review their children’s educational needs.  Not all children are college bound, some will thrive on having enrichment activities, some may benefit from tutoring, some require mental health counseling or other support.  Co-parents who work together can help their child make the most of his or her special talents and strengths and receive extra support where needed, contributing to children who thrive and who see the positive example of two parents who demonstrate by their actions that they truly are “there for them.”

As always, if you have questions or concerns about these important issues, please feel free to consult with one of our attorneys, all of whom have years of experience, and often creative options, for your issues and questions concerning Michigan family law.

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is not intended to constitute legal, financial and/or tax advice.  We do not recommend making important decisions of the type addressed in this article without specific legal or tax advice by a licensed accountant or lawyer.