As summer comes to an end, many families are preparing for the back-to-school transition. For some families, this means a return to the custody arrangement that was in place during the school year. But for others, there may be changes – especially if one or both parents had custody over the summer. If you are returning to your school-year time-sharing schedule, it is important to take some time and prepare for what could be a big change in your family life. Our San Diego child custody attorneys at Embry Family Law P.C. share tips on preparing yourself and your children for the back-to-school season!
Preparing for Custody Changes
If you have custody of your children during the summer months, you may wonder how best to prepare for their return to school. The back-to-school season can be a difficult transition, especially if your child is used to having more freedom during the summer.
Here are some tips on preparing for the back-to-school season:
- Talk to your child about the custody arrangement and what it will mean for their schedule. It is important to be honest with your child and explain that they will need to follow the custody schedule during the school year.
- Help your child prepare for changes in their routine, such as a different bus stop or after-school activities. It may be helpful to create a visual schedule or chart to help your child transition back to their school-year routine.
- If you share custody with the other parent, talk to them about your plans for the back-to-school season. It is essential that you are on the same page about things like custody exchange times and locations, communication, and emergency procedures.
Having these conversations ahead of time can help your child feel more prepared and in control when a situation arises.
Preparing for School Supplies
In addition to preparing for the custody transition, you will also need to start thinking about school supplies. Many schools have a list of students' required supplies for the year.
Here are some tips on getting ready for back-to-school shopping:
- Start by listing the supplies your child will need for the year. You can usually find this list on the school’s website or in the back-to-school packet sent home at the end of the year.
- Once you have a list of supplies, start price comparisons to find the best deals. This can be done online or by visiting different stores in person.
- Take advantage of back-to-school sales and promotions. Many stores offer discounts on school supplies during the months of August and September.
- If you are tight on budget, consider shopping at secondhand stores or asking friends and family for gently used supplies. Your child’s school may also be able to offer supplies in certain situations as well.
- Try to use what you already own! If you purchased a box of glue sticks that remained largely unopened, you can always use those now and skip buying a new box when at the store.
Preparing for Changes in Education
In addition to changes in your custody arrangement and school supplies, you may also need to prepare for changes in your child’s education.
Here are some tips on preparing for back-to-school:
- If your child is starting kindergarten or moving to a new school, tour the campus with them on orientation day. This will help them feel more comfortable on the first day of school.
- Talk to your child’s teacher about their educational goals for the year. This will help you know what to expect and how to best support your child at home.
With your support and preparation, your child may feel more prepared and confident for the new school year ahead.
Sharing Custody Information with Your Child’s Teacher
If you share custody of your child, you may wonder if you should share this information with your child’s teacher.
It is important to remember that custody information is private and should only be shared with people who need to know, such as the other parent or a court-ordered custody evaluator.
However, there are some situations where sharing custody information with your child’s teacher may be helpful, such as if your child is young or needs help remembering which bus to get on.
If you decide to share custody information with your child’s teacher, be sure to do so in a way that is respectful of the other parent and your child’s privacy. You should also inform your child’s other parent, so they understand that your child’s teacher has this information.
Schedule a Consultation With an Embry Family Law Attorney
The back-to-school season can be difficult for families, especially when dealing with custody issues. If you have questions about custody or want to modify your custody arrangement, schedule a consultation with an Embry Family Law P.C. attorney today. Our experienced family law attorneys can answer your questions and help you develop a custody plan that is in your child's best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling (619) 485-6476.