The summer is generally a relaxing time, but couples who divorced over the summer months may find the looming school year to be a source of stress. How will you help your child transition back to school when their entire life as they know it has changed? Relax and take a deep breath. There are ways you can help your child go back to school after a summer divorce.
Three ways to help
Experts suggest three ways you can help your child as they go back to school post-divorce.
First, make sure the school administrators and your child’s teacher know of the divorce. They should know which parent to contact in the case of an emergency, and which (or both) parent(s) to inform about school activities such as concerts and parent-teacher conferences. If you can effectively co-parent with your ex you both can play an active role in your child’s education.
Second, help your child with the inevitable questions they might have from their friends about the divorce. You and your child can work together to develop a way to explain your divorce to others in a healthy manner that avoids conflict. You can also reassure your child that they do not have to talk to their friends about the divorce if they do not want to and help them develop some polite ways to say “no.”
Third, make sure your child knows who their support system involves. They still have the love of both you and your ex and they will still spend time with both of you. Likewise, they can lean on their old friends, teachers and others who know and love them. This love is still intact, even if your relationship with your ex is not.
Go back to school on the right foot
Going through a divorce over the summer break is not easy for any child. However, there are ways you can help your child overcome this obstacle. By helping your child work through their emotions and ensuring you are cooperating with your ex your child can go back to school after a divorce on solid footing.