The 2020/2021 school year forced many co-parents to adapt to rapid, massive changes, such as transitioning to e-learning as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and schools closing. As we ease into the 2021/2022 school year, many parents may understandably be struggling to transition, especially if they implemented changes into their co-parenting strategy last year.
Today, we're covering various ways you and your co-parent can make the 2021/2022 school year less stressful. To schedule a consultation with our custody attorneys, contact us online or via phone at (636) 400-1177.
Consider Adjusting Your Custody Arrangement
Many parents changed their custody arrangements during 2020 to reflect the tumultuous year. From essential workers voluntarily giving up custody to parents and children adjusting to working and learning from home, many people found themselves occupying completely different schedules in 2020 than in previous years, and changed their custody arrangements to accommodate those changes.
As things start to open up and vaccines become more widely available, it's worth sitting down with your co-parent and discussing whether you want to reverse the changes you made to your custody arrangement for the 2021/2022 school year.
Even if you don't reverse those decisions entirely, going over your parenting plan and detailing whether it still works for you could help ensure your child has a setup that enables them to thrive.
Discuss Travel Procedures & School Breaks
Frequently, school breaks are a time for children to travel with a co-parent. However, with the Delta variant of COVID-19 surging and child-appropriate vaccinations still in testing, some parents may be understandably concerned about allowing their child to travel this year.
Sit down with your co-parent and discuss how you want to handle traveling and vacations during the school year.
Expect a Rocky Road for Your Child
Last but not least, it's important to note that many children will have a hard time reacclimating to attending school in person.
Talk with your co-parent in advance and discuss matters such as how you want to handle a slip in grades or trouble making friends for your child(ren). Having a solid plan in place will help you both effectively parent your child to success as we enter another school year.
At Smith Law Offices, LLC, our team is here for you during your custody dispute. Contact us online or via phone at (636) 400-1177 to schedule a consultation with our team.