Balancing your children’s physical, emotional, academic, and other needs during the school year can be overwhelming, especially when there are other responsibilities that also require your attention. When Family Law Clients seek our services in an effort to improve their timesharing approach, we are committed to prioritizing the needs of any minor children involved. There are several timesharing strategies and tools that we often share with our Clients who want to ensure that their children are set up to thrive in life, especially during the school year.
In order to contribute to the success of your child or children during the school year, we encourage you to consider the following tips:
1. Save the school calendar for the academic year: Keeping track of important dates such as Open House, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Field Trips, Report Cards, Early Dismissal, etc. will allow both co-parents to stay in the loop regarding opportunities to connect with their student(s) teacher(s), chaperone off campus activities, volunteer for school-wide events, etc.
2. Determine transportation responsibilities: How will your children get to and from school? Will one co-parent be responsible for drop off and the other for pick up? Or will the local bus stop be used? Who will cover extra-curricular activities?
3. Update emergency contact information: Perhaps your phone number has changed prior to the beginning of a new school year. Connect with the school’s office staff to make sure the correct contact information is on file for both co-parents and any other appropriate adults in case of an emergency.
4. Prioritize check ins with your child or children: Talk with your child or children on a regular basis about what they are learning, their favorite and least favorite subjects, if they are struggling with the timesharing schedule/transition, etc. Remaining a safe space for your child to be vulnerable is important.
5. Monitor academic performance: Several school districts offer digital platforms where both parents and students can keep track of grades, missing assignments, upcoming projects, etc. Create a habit of regularly checking your child’s performance and grades as they are posted.
6. Try meal prepping: A new school year involves many moving parts. For parents who have busy schedules, putting together a weekly menu and cooking healthy meals in advance may help alleviate some of the pressure that builds in the beginning of the school year. Pinterest has easy recipes that can be saved for free, and Publix has Apron recipe cards available in their grocery stores.
7. Communicate with your former spouse as necessary: Going through a Divorce means you may want to limit communication with your former spouse. As co-parents, however, you are both responsible for setting a positive example for your children. A sincere effort to avoid conflict and communicate with respect and grace will show your children that they matter more than anything else. Should any changes to the academic calendar come up or transportation flexibility becomes necessary, timely communication makes all of the difference. Remember, we should treat others as we would want to be treated.
Do you have questions or concerns about timesharing during the school year? Our Team is available to help you work through your case. We proudly serve all Central Florida areas including: Orlando, Winter Park, Metro West, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East Orlando, Lake Mary, Heathrow and Clermont. Each of our Family Law Attorneys are known for their integrity, excellence, and strategic thinking. To schedule a consultation, contact us at (407) 872-3161.