Being a parent can make divorce even harder because you have your children’s well-being and future to consider, as well as your own. Tapping into your already established resources can help to ease the strain.
For example, one of your most important support systems may come from your children’s school, particularly those staff members who spend a lot of time each week with your child can assist with both logistics and emotional support.
Logistics – Drop off and Pick up
A divorce can also require meetings and court hearings that may make it impossible for either parent to pick up the child. Divorce can also mean both parents need to work more, as they will have two separate households to run. Both things can mean that parents may need to call on friends, family or other child care providers to pick the kids up from school.
School staff should be made aware of any changes to pick-up or drop-off arrangements, so your children are sure to leave with an appropriate person.
Emotional Support and Understanding
Teachers often notice when a child is not acting like their normal selves. They may worry if a child suddenly stops completing their homework, is tardy, or is acting out. Informing them of your divorce helps put these changes in context and provides additional support. It can also save your kids a lot of trouble from teachers who may punish your child for such lapses.
Communication
Informed teachers can let both parents know if they see signs that the divorce is negatively affecting a child. They can also provide reassuring feedback if your child is coping well.
If appropriate, they will also know to send copies of emails and messages to both parents to ensure that messages get through to everyone involved.
There is so much to consider when divorcing that it can be easy to forget something as simple as informing your child’s school. But with experienced legal guidance, you are more likely to cover this and all the other simple things that will ease you and your children into the next chapter of your lives.