It is that time of year again: time for children to head back to school. It’s important to remain involved with your child(ren)’s schooling even though you and the other parent may not be together. If parents have a friendly relationship, staying involved should be fairly easy, but what if you and your child(ren)’s other parent don’t get along? How can you stay involved if they are not cooperating?
Be sure that the school has a copy of any agreements or orders setting forth your parenting plan. If you have shared parental responsibility, make sure that the school knows that you want to be informed of all meetings and decisions about your child. Show up to the meetings, even if you have to do so by phone. Get to know your child(ren)’s teacher(s). If you are unable to attend the open house, set up a phone conference or a meeting to introduce yourself. Set up a regular contact schedule so that you can be kept informed about activities happening in the classroom or at the school. Volunteer to help in the classroom or at special events. Make sure that when you are enjoying timesharing with your child(ren), you ask about upcoming events and help with homework and projects.
Teachers work hard and have many students. You need to take the first steps and follow through. If you have questions or concerns, email your child(ren)’s teacher(s). Be sure to give them time to answer. Try to avoid involving your child(ren)’s teacher(s) in issues that you may be having with the other parent. If the other parent is interfering with your ability to be involved with your child(ren)’s schooling, that may be an issue for your attorney or the court to handle.
Ultimately, by staying involved in your children’s lives to the greatest extent possible, you will increase your chances of success in the Courtroom.