From Summer to School

Plenty of blogs open with quotes. We've got one by Robert Frost: "Nothing gold can stay." See how classy that is? No wonder people open essays with poetry. The reason why it works here is because it resonates; it meets us on that level where we as humans have a shared experience: The sun does set. Blissful marriages do end. Summer comes to a close. Hopefully, you've collected plenty of golden hours and memories with your family during the summer months; but, it's time to start preparing for back-to-school.

For the divorced parent, it's time to meet with, message, or email the ex-spouse. For the school year to be successful, the channels must be open for communication. The school year means splitting the cost and responsibility of school supplies, new clothes, activities, and perhaps even tuition. Then, there's the calendar: conferences, productions, lessons, holidays, etc. Discuss and divide these issues fairly and get a shared calendar going. Be sure everything is in writing somewhere for easy reference.

Here's the short guide:

Supplies- Find a way to comfortably split the cost and responsibility of buying school supplies. This should include clothing and shoes, accessories as well. If you make more money, be the bigger person and take more responsibility: school cost is expensive, so don't be a jerk about the child support--karma is real-- and that monthly support sometimes cannot cover all the needs to meet.

First Day- The first day causes anxiety for many children. Some of the outgoing kids can't wait for the year to begin. Either way, make sure both of you share in some way that first day back. Meet at the school and walk the child, or children, to the door. Take a selfie of all of you or take a selfie if one parent is unable to be there. Make sure your child feels the love and support they deserve.

Family- First, be inclusive when it comes to family on both sides; and, again, be the bigger person and think of your children. Both parents need to attend or share information from conferences, plays, assemblies, picture day, and any other event important to a child's growth and education.

Transparency- Please, please update the teachers about changes in the family or issues that you child may be experiencing. Educators need to know these things because they do affect how a student learns. Children are resilient, but they are also tiny humans with all the feels. Teachers need to understand the context in which those feelings occur so they can help with not only learning, but feedback for parents as well.

Each category can break down into smaller issues for families, but I think we've given you the basics. And a Frost quote.

You're welcome. Good luck!