Your child might feel embarrassed about the fact that you are divorcing, despite many of their schoolmates having divorced parents.
Hence, if you mention informing the school, your child may tell you not to. Should you accede to their wishes?
Letting the school know can help your child
While you need to be careful about riding roughshod over your child’s wishes, sometimes you need to do a thing for their own good, despite their protests. Even if you need to wait and have another go at explaining why it is so important first.
Here are some of the reasons your child’s school needs to know:
They can add both parents to any contact lists
It’s not uncommon for one parent to handle all the school contact. When you divorce, it won’t be so easy for that parent to inform the other parent. Not only will you no longer share a house, but you may find communication about anything a challenge.
If the school copies you both into communications it reduces the chance your child suffers because one parent forgot to tell the other.
It can help teachers to understand changes in behavior
Teachers spend more time with children than any other adults apart from parents. On some days, they probably spend more time with your kids than you do. Hence they are best placed to notice if your child is feeling down or reacting badly to your divorce in some way. They can offer support, and inform you if it’s something serious. They can also make allowances if they understand why your child is acting differently.
Learning more about custody options can help you choose a custody arrangement that minimizes any adverse effect on your child’s schooling.
