A new school year can be quite stressful, especially if you are separated or divorced.  Who will shop for school supplies and new school clothes, and who will pay for these items? Are both parents listed on school forms? How will both parents receive important school information? Sometimes the answers to these questions are addressed in an Agreement or Parenting Plan, but often times they are not. It is important for separated or divorced parents to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate. For many this is easier said than done. If you are wondering how to navigate the school year now that you are separated or divorced, you are not alone.  Brittany Wong, Associate Divorce Editor for the Huffington Post, asked Huffington Post bloggers and Facebook readers to share their back to school advice and compiled them in her article 10 Smart Back to School Tips For Divorced Parents.  

Here is a summary of their suggestions that will hopefully help make this school year a success:  

1. Unless you have an Agreement that outlines who will pay for back to school supplies, make a list of what is needed and then split the list to ease the burden.
2. Various online apps make it easier than ever to share online calendars.  Create a calendar specifically for the kids’ school and extracurricular activities so both of you know where to be and when.
3. The first day of school is exciting and scary at the same time. If possible, make arrangements so both of you can be there to see the children off for the first day.  But, if one of you can’t be there, take pictures and share them with the other parent so they don’t feel left out.
4. Make sure school administers and your children’s teachers are aware of the family situation.   If you or spouse has remarried and there are stepparents involved, make sure the school is aware.  Request that important papers are sent to both homes, rather than just the child’s main school contact.
5. Approach parent-teacher conferences as a team.  Even if you and your ex-spouse do not get along it is important for both of you to be involved in your child’s school progress.  If one parent lives out of state, consider making arrangements for that parent to call in or Facetime during the conference.
6. Consider setting a specific day during the week when you and your ex-spouse communicate regarding school and activities such as upcoming tests, projects, practices, games, etc.