How to Make Switching Schools Easier on Children of Divorce

It’s common for children to thrive on routine, and school often provides exactly that. Routine is especially important for children of divorce, whose lives have been interrupted by having one parent move out. In cases where the children have to move after divorce, they not only have to get used to a new home, but also a new school. This situation can’t always be avoided, but it is possible to help the children get through it. Here’s how to assist your children in regaining some sense of stability after your divorce.

Prepare Your Children for the Change in Routine

It’s important that you communicate well with your children during and after the divorce. Let them know as soon as possible that they will be moving and will be attending a new school. Try to give them as much information as you can when it comes to the new city, house and school. This way, they have some time to prepare for the move and ask any questions they have. Make sure they understand their new schedule if you and your former spouse split custody or need to work out visitation.

Pay Attention to Sudden Changes in Behavior

Children can’t usually hide their frustration with a situation for long. Even if they don’t say how unhappy they are, their behavior may show it. They might suddenly get bad grades, disrupt the class or get into fights at school. Some children of divorce also gain or lose weight, refuse to do homework, or become antisocial. You can help prevent this type of behavior — or at least identify it early on — by talking to the teacher and letting him or her know about your recent divorce. Encourage the teacher to communicate with you about any issues your child is having at school so you can work together to make improvements.

Help Them Get Involved in School

If you want to help your children get settled into their new life and routine as quickly as possible, you should push them to do more than simply go to school and come home. Find out if they want to get into sports or clubs that take place after school or get music, dance or acting lessons. This way, they’re likely to make new friends faster than usual. And of course, having a hobby to focus on can help them get some stability and allow their new house to finally feel like home.

Stay on Top of Custody Issues

As your children settle into their new home, you can help even more by ensuring you and the other parent work together. Custody problems may come up. Don’t ignore them or put your children in the middle. Instead, work hard on communicating effectively with your former spouse so you can come up with the solution that’s best for the children. If they’re struggling in school and need help, or if they may be better off at a different school, communicate that to the other parent and figure out what to do together. You might not agree on much anymore, but you both have your child’s best interests at heart and should focus on that fact after the divorce.

If you’re going through a divorce and haven’t yet reached out to a divorce lawyer, contact the  Edgar & Dow for the guidance you need at this time. We have experience with cases involving child support, child custody, restraining orders and more.

Call us today at (888) 251-9618 to schedule your free initial consultation.