After School Schedules: Making Co-parenting Work
May 19, 2021 – Polly Tatum
After School Structure
School is back in session, and for co-parents, that means hectic after school schedules.
Co-parenting during the school year can be challenging and require lots of coordination. The good news is school provides your child with a lot of structure, routine, and stability, all things children can benefit from especially after a divorce. After school, however, you will need to make sure your child’s time is well spent. Co-parenting after school doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, with extra communication and planning, you and the other parent can provide your child with the consistency and routine he or she may need after school. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when co-parenting after school:
Consistency matters. Your child has a set school schedule, regular assignments, and other aspects of his or her daily routine that must be supported by both parents. Get on the same page early on in the year with the other parent. Figure out how you can both can support your child’s schedule.
For example, you can do this by checking in on homework during parenting time, staying abreast on after school programs and lessons, and communicating your child’s preferences for after-school activities. Developing a good parenting plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each parent can help ensure full coverage parenting despite hectic after school schedules.
Planning For Parenting
Consider divorce mediation if you want to make sure your parenting plan and parenting time schedule will provide your child with structure and stability during the school year. Your child’s time after school is important, especially if you share your parenting time. You need to make the most of the time you do have with your child and communicate thoroughly with the other parent to make sure he or she is too. A good parenting plan can provide guidance for co-parents during the school year. For example, you can include agreements on decisions such as vaccinations and after school programs in the plan. Your parenting time schedule is just as important, especially when it comes to after school time. Structuring your parenting time appropriately can help your child benefit from the stability from school and both households. An experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator can help you and your spouse create a parenting plan and parenting time schedule that are truly in your child’s best interests.
Do you have questions about creating a parenting plan? If so, Mediation Advantage Services can help. Law Office of Polly Tatum has the skills and experience needed to help you and your spouse create a parenting plan that meets your families’ needs. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 795-1557(508) 795-1557, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.
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