Co-Parenting During The School Year

Summer has come to an end, and children are heading back to school. For co-parents, this can be a challenging time. Schedules will be changing, and children will require time to readjust. Therefore, co-parents need to work together and be present for their children as a united front.

Defining Important Terms

Before we get started, let's define some essential terms. Co-parenting is defined as "the process of raising children after a divorce or break-up." It typically involves parents working together to make decisions about the child's welfare. Parenting plans or schedules are also important to consider. These are "a written agreement that outlines how the parents will co-parent their child."

Review Your Schedules

The first step for co-parents is to review their schedules. With the new school year, there will likely be new activities and commitments that need to be taken into account. Once you have a good understanding of your respective schedules, you can then start to plan for quality time with your children. It is important to note that even though schedules may be hectic, finding time for your children is still necessary. They should always come first.

Work Together

As mentioned earlier, co-parents must work together during the school year. This means communicating regularly and being on the same page regarding decisions regarding your children. If you can do this successfully, it will make things much easier for your children. They will feel supported and know that they can count on both of their parents.

Have Set Rules

Another important tip for co-parents is to have set rules. This will help to provide structure for your children and make things more manageable for everyone involved. It is important to sit down with your co-parent and agree on what the rules are going to be. Once you have done this, make sure to stick to them.

Have a Positive Relationship

Another vital tip for co-parenting during the school year is maintaining a positive relationship with the other parent. This can be difficult sometimes, but it is important for the children's sake. Co-parents should avoid arguing in front of the children and instead focus on working together for their sake.

Be Present

You should always remember to be present for your children. This means being involved in their lives and being there for them when they need you. Getting caught up in work or other commitments can be easy, but it is essential to make time for your children. They should always feel like they are a priority in your life.

Be Flexible

Another tip is to remain as flexible as possible while co-parenting during the school year. This is especially important if you have a co-parent who lives far away. There may be times when plans need to be changed or adjusted at the last minute. It is important to be understanding and accommodating in these situations. If you need to have assistance or leniency in the future, your co-parent will likely be more willing to provide it if you have been flexible in the past.

If Issues Arise

Of course, there will be times when issues arise. This is to be expected when co-parenting. If this happens, it is essential to try to resolve the issue calmly and constructively. This can be difficult, but it is vital for the children's sake. They should not be caught in the middle of arguments or disagreements.

Seek Help if Necessary

If you struggle to co-parent during the school year, it is crucial to seek help if necessary. If issues cannot be resolved through communication, reaching out to an experienced custody attorney from Eiges & Orgel, PLLC may be the best approach.

If you need assistance with child custody, give us a call at (347) 848-1850 for a consultation.