Few events are as difficult as divorce. Whether your marriage ended abruptly because of infidelity, or over the course of several years because of incompatibility, you need to focus on the future and raising your child to be happy and healthy. Since divorce is emotionally traumatic, it is common for children to have difficulty adjusting to school.
Here are a few tips on how you can help your child transition back to school more smoothly:
- Talk to your ex — Coping with divorce will be difficult for your kids. However, by communicating with your ex, you can create a stable environment that encourages growth and helps your child adapt to the school year more easily. During this time, it is essential that you and your ex are on the same page. Talk to your ex about the upcoming school year and make sure you are sending your child a single and consistent message about what lies ahead.
- Use a calendar — Technology has made it easier than ever to keep your calendar up to date. Use your smartphone, tablet, and computer to jot down your child’s activities, major homework projects, sporting events, and other extracurricular activities. Keeping a sound schedule will help your child be on time for school events and help them adjust to the school year without extra stress.
- Talk to teachers — Before the school year starts, you should reach out to your son’s or daughter’s teachers and let them know about your divorce. If the separation has been particularly hard on your child, let school officials know that your son or daughter is going through a tough time and may need a little extra care and attention.
- Split school shopping — In the weeks leading up to the start of school, your child will need school supplies, books, clothing, etc. Instead of having a single parent take on the responsibility of school shopping, split the task in half. Make it fun for your child. One parent can handle shopping for backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, etc., while the other parent shops for clothing, shoes, etc.
- Stay positive — Your child takes his or her cues from you. If you are angry or negative towards your ex-spouse, your child will pick up on these feelings. Remember, starting a new school year is a big deal and your child needs confidence, security, and love as they move forward.
The reality is that some marriages simply do not work. You can minimize stress and help your kid transition healthily into the school year by working with your ex to ensure that your son’s or daughter’s needs always take priority over everything else in your life.
Contact an experienced Baltimore divorce lawyer today
At the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC, we understand how difficult divorce is on your family. If you need help with a child custody, support, or other family law issue in Maryland, we are ready to provide you with sympathetic guidance. To discuss your case with a skilled divorce attorney today, call 410-602-9522 or contact us online.
