What to be Aware of with School and Divorce

There are times in each child’s life where a change, such as divorce or moving to another community or city, can be devastating. Most times it is a young child who needs the security of their family home and school.

It might be a teenager who wants to finish high school with friends. Before moving, you may want to reconsider your plans. Perhaps when you think about it, the parent who has the child living with them full time should stay put until the children have accepted the divorce.

Parents need to be sensitive to issues such as uprooting school aged children. You also need to take into account the ex-spouse and the children. The intent is not to alienate the ex-spouse. The children need both parents.

Divorce, separation, death, remarriage, a new family configuration—these are all hard things for a child to adjust to. Children of divorce are at risk for depression and stress, and this can sometimes turn into self-destruction, violent behavior, failing in school, and addiction. Most will show signs of stress, so do not immediately leap to thinking your step child is doing drugs.

Your child’s response to school is an excellent indicator of how things are going. Watch for a sudden drop in grades, change in interest, or increased absenteeism. It may be something is happening at school, or it may be a reaction to stuff going on at home. Either way, you and your ex-partner will need to deal with it.

School involvement (for you, your ex-partner, or both) is a way to keep an eye on your child’s well-being. If the teachers know you as a concerned parent, she will be more likely to keep an eye on your child to see how he is doing. Call for a general chat. Do not wait for conference time or to be called into the office.

Make sure to put your differences aside and put your children first.

Written by: Michele Sfakianos

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About the Author:

Michele Sfakianos is a Registered Nurse, Leading Authority on Parenting, Speaker and Award-winning Author.