Sharing custody has many benefits for both children and parents. However, there are some unique challenges that come with co-parenting, including back-to-school time. Co-parents in Pennsylvania might struggle with the transition from summer fun to school night bedtimes, but there are a few things they can do to ease the process for everyone involved.
Keep the school in the loop
While the school does not need to know the intimate divorce details of a child’s parents, it is a good idea to share important parts of the custody agreement. For example, a teacher might find it helpful to know when a child will be moving back and forth between parents’ houses, especially if it affects transportation. Requesting that the teacher communicate with both parents and not just whoever the child is living with at the time can also streamline things.
Refer to the parenting agreement
Co-parents often strive to communicate effectively. However, anything involving money has the potential to cause conflict, even among those who communicate well. If there is ever a disagreement over which parent should pay for something school related, be sure to refer to the parenting agreement. A thorough agreement should address who pays for things like:
- School supplies
- School lunches
- Extracurricular fees
Co-parenting requires effort from both parents. One of the best ways to make sure that everyone is on the same page is to work together to create the best possible child custody agreement that focuses on the best interests of the child. Since this can be quite an undertaking during the already emotional divorce process, many parents in Pennsylvania choose to work closely with a knowledgeable family law attorney.
