As a San Diego divorce lawyer who has clients dealing with custody issues, one of the most stressful times of the year for parents is when their children go back to school. In a previous blog, I discussed the difficulty associated with buying school supplies when parents are unable to co-parent and the issues this raises for their children.
This discussion is going to focus on the issues regarding Back to School Night when parents are unable or unwilling to co-parent. It is extremely important for parents to attend their children’s back to school night so they can meet their children’s teachers, learn about the expectations for the coming school year, and ask any questions that may impact their lives as well as their children’s lives during the upcoming school year.
Many of the issues that were discussed with buying school supplies when parents do not communicate are prevalent in this situation. The difference being, other parents will be present to witness any negative interaction between parents who cannot communicate about their children. Equally important is that other parents will be aware of those parents who do not come to this important night even if the reason is strictly to avoid conflict with the other parent. This can be embarrassing for you as a parent, but also can be embarrassing for your child if they are questioned by their friends as to why their parents argued in front of other parents or why their parents did not come to Back to School Night when their parents were there.
As a San Diego divorce lawyer, I can tell you that the effect this can have on a child can be traumatizing. One of the important goals as a parent is to teach your child how to interact with others. Children learn this by watching their own parents. Parents must realize that the behaviors they exhibit will be remembered by their children in either a negative or positive way.
It is important for parents to be able to attend Back to School Night without causing chaos for their children during the upcoming school year. It is in the best interest of children for their parents to get along or at least not cause a commotion at Back to School Night. Your children will be relying upon each parent to understand the rules and expectations their teachers have for them when they are in either parents’ care later in the school year when issues arise with homework, absences, or other situations. An hour or two of restraint and co-parenting can go a long way for helping your child have a successful and production school year.
As a San Diego divorce lawyer, I inform my clients of the importance of working with the other parent to avoid conflict for their children.
