Many parents are focusing on summer activities, now that school is out. And while it’s true that this is a time for families to enjoy summer vacations and other warm weather activities, now is also the best time to start planning for the next school year.
Getting ready for the school year early is an especially good idea for parents who have split up. Trying to set up everything across two homes can take considerable time and effort. As such, planning in advance can minimize a risk of conflict and stress down the road.
Review one’s parenting plan
A parenting plan contains information about who is responsible for making decisions about a child’s education. This is the individual who will decide where the children go to school. If both parents share this responsibility, it’s a good idea to touch base during the summer to make decisions about the upcoming year.
Enrolling the children in school as soon as enrollment begins is important, especially if the child will be attending a school with capped class sizes. During enrollment, the school should be informed of how to contact parents. Typically, one parent will have to be the primary contact, so it’s best to know this ahead of time.
Handle school supply shopping
School supply shopping, including purchasing necessary school clothing, can be a costly undertaking. A parenting plan may state how these expenses are handled. There are a variety of ways that this expense might be split.
- Both parents split the cost: The parent who buys the items should keep the receipts so the other parent can reimburse them.
- Parents have assigned expenses: One parent may have to buy the school supplies while the other buys school clothes.
- One parent handles all expenses: While one parent takes care of school supplies and clothes, the other may handle other expenses like those for extracurricular activities.
Back-to-school season can be stressful for all families. By taking the time to plan carefully and starting early, parents can reduce stress on themselves and their children. This is often especially true when a family consists of co-parents and their minor children who travel between households.