Back to school signals child custody transition for parents

Many California residents think that once the court determines which parent is the custodial parent, the child custody process and other issues also end. This is not the case, however. The responsibility of both parents for their children does not end until the child reaches adulthood. Moreover, conflicts may arise after parents settle child custody, and these new conflicts may also have to be resolved.

Often problems and disagreements escalate with the new school year. The child custody agreement may require the child to go from one parent’s house to the other’s during the school year, and if both parents are not comfortable communicating about drop offs and meet ups, more divorce drama may develop. There are instances where parents argue about which house should be used for the child’s first day of school photos, simple things that can cause big problems for those involved. Under such circumstances, parents must know how to effectively interact because a simple divorce conflict can greatly impact a child’s emotional and physical well-being.

A child’s smooth transition during the school year rests in the hands of his or her parents. Parents should learn how to ignore their personal conflicts and focus instead on how they can help their child adjust to the divorce and do well in school. By attending school events and activities, parents are showing that they care for the child. They can also address the little details that have a huge impact on the parent-child relationship. For example, parents can share an Internet-based calendar to stay updated on school activities and events.

Both parents and their child need a certain period of adjustment after divorce. However, it is the responsibility of parents to help the child adjust to the situation. Parents should not forget that divorce does not dissolve their relationship with their children.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Back to school after divorce,” Accessed Sept. 25, 2014