Parents across the country rejoice as their children head back to school and life returns to the predictable, but busy, schedule of the regular school year. However, this time can also bring about difficulties for those parents who are divorced. Understanding why this season is difficult to navigate and what you can do to minimize the tensions can help.
While keeping communication with your ex positive — or at least neutral — can help everyone adjust to the return of school smoothly, it’s important to also consider your children’s feelings. Feeling split between two houses can be difficult, but you can help your children feel comfortable by organizing overnight packs or getting some extra mileage out of their school backpacks and adding some favorite music, snacks and toiletries. This way the children are comfortable and prepared no matter whose house they’re staying at.
It’s also important to keep the lines of communication open with your children as well and ensure they feel like they can come to you with any issues concerning the other parent. You may also want to set your child up with a third-party, such as a guidance counselor or other trusted adult, who can let your child vent.
While all divorced families are bound to hit a few hiccups in the road during the back-to-school season, sometimes there are more serious issues that need to be addressed through the court. If this happens, it’s best to learn as much as possible about how the Texas family courts handle disputes when divorced or unmarried parents can’t agree on what’s in the best interests of the children.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Divorce Advice: Back-To-School Tips For Divorced Parents,” accessed Aug. 14, 2015
