It is always difficult to co-parent with someone else. This is a person that you used to be in a relationship with, and who you had children with, but you are now separated. Regardless of why the relationship ended, most will agree that the priority is now the children, and their wellbeing.
Once two people have children, they are connected for life, regardless of if they are in a romantic relationship or not. This means that they always have to be communicating about what the children need, and what they are struggling with and this includes school.
School is an important part of a child's life, and they can struggle with grades, rules and bullying, and it is important to make sure that these issues are all being communicated to the other parent, and vice versa.
The only way to make sure that a child succeeds and does well is to make sure both parents are a united front and helping their child through it together.
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However, figuring out how to communicate this, and how to make sure it is done respectfully is important, and we have some tips on how this can happen.
When it comes to communicating with a co-parent, it is much easier to make sure that this is not only happening when there is an emergency or crisis. It should be an ongoing conversation, and how you start it is going to matter most.
According to Our Family Wizard, it is important to make sure that both parents are on the same page when it comes to the school routines, and this includes homework rules and extracurricular.
Have conversations at the start of every school year to go over what is expected of your child to make sure you are on the same page. This can make it easier for children who go between houses during the school week. For example, the rule for both homes need to be the same, as homework being done before video games every night.
Technology can be your best friend when it comes to scheduling and communicating. According to Great Lakes DFS, set up a shared calendar online. This could be using Google, or any other online platform, but make sure it can be viewed and edited by multiple people. This is a great way to keep communication lines open without having to have many actual conversations.
Mom can enter when assignments are due, when they have after school activities, and dad can do the same. This way both can see what is happening in their child's lives, and keep up to date.
There are going to be times when your child's teacher wants to meet with you, and your co-parent to discuss things.
According to CoParently, make sure you attend these meetings together. This can avoid any miscommunication when messages are being delivered, and can make sure everyone has the same information.
This could be for parent-teacher interviews, or even if something comes up that is concerning. A united front will always be the goal.
Sources: Our Family Wizard, Great Lakes DFS, CoParently