One Week Into the School Year: How Families Can Adjust Smoothly
The first week of school is officially behind us. For many families, it’s been a whirlwind of new teachers, earlier mornings, packed lunches, and adjusting to new routines. If you’re co-parenting after a divorce or separation, that first week can also highlight where things are working well—and where a few adjustments may be needed.
At Poppy Legal Group, we work closely with families to ensure parenting plans and custody arrangements support your children’s success. Here are a few tips now that the school year is underway:
1. Reflect on the First Week
Take note of what went smoothly and what felt stressful. Were there any misunderstandings about pickups or after-school activities? Did your child feel rushed or unsettled moving between homes? These early signs can help guide adjustments before small issues become bigger ones.
2. Revisit the Parenting Plan
Schedules that worked during the summer may not fit as neatly with school commitments. This is the perfect time to revisit your parenting plan and see if any tweaks are needed. Sometimes even minor clarifications—like which parent handles Wednesday practices or how homework gets managed—can make a big difference.
3. Coordinate on Homework and Routines
Kids thrive on consistency. If your child has a set homework time or bedtime at one home but not the other, it may create extra stress for them. Aligning routines across households—even loosely—can give your child a sense of stability during the busy school year.
4. Keep Communication Open
Teachers and schools are settling into their own rhythms as well. Make sure both parents are receiving school emails, calendar reminders, and updates. Shared online calendars or communication apps can be a great tool to avoid missed events or miscommunications.
5. Focus on the Kids’ Needs
At the end of the day, school is your child’s world. When parents keep the focus on what helps their child feel supported, the entire school year runs more smoothly.
Final Thought
The first week of school often sets the tone for the months ahead. By staying flexible, communicating openly, and putting your child’s needs first, you can help create a positive and productive school year.
If you’ve noticed that your parenting plan needs adjustments to better fit the school year, the team at Poppy Legal Group is here to guide you through the process.
