By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
We mostly write about the mechanics of parenting plans. The sooner both parents understand the key components, the more likely they will develop a plan together and avoid destructive litigation. For this article, we want to discuss strategy.
When both co-parents engage in their child’s education outcomes improve. Coordinating school logistics and tracking academic progress is more complex across two households. Consistent communication between co-parents and the school is crucial. The reality, no matter how important collaboration is, it takes (2). The solution? Accountability. How is this achieved if all else fails? Possibly court.
We write this from the perspective of Co-Parent A (CPA), a non-residential parent with time-sharing on weekends who does not transport the child to/from school, lacking regular in-person interaction with school personnel. CPA is committed to collaborative co-parenting. The residential co-parent (CPB) is not cooperating. In fact, CPB told the school that all communication flows through them. CPA has been shut out from parent-school email updates, progress reports and has missed events because they weren’t informed.
Why is this important to CPA? 1) Taking school success seriously is part of their job. 2) Limited information creates missed opportunities to bond. 3) Many custody cases have hinged on a parent’s school involvement. CPA’s commendable efforts to co-parent needs a new strategy. With a new school year on the horizon, now is the time to deploy.
Communication With School: Share via email the custody orders and copy CPB. It is essential that the school has accurate information. The school can’t keep track of the details of all custody arrangements.
Build a Rapport: Refer to the custody agreement to participate in your child’s education. Offer to speak with each educator about the co-parent situation without disparaging CPB. Request all updates shared with both parents, starting today. Request acknowledgement.
Offer Your Time: Take advantage of the value schools place on involvement. Share your willingness to engage knowing that parent-school relationships improve student outcomes.
Your efforts must be documented. If communication does not improve, consult an attorney. Accountability can be achieved if CPB must explain to the judge why they ignore the order. Learn more at our FREE Workshop: 8/5 @ Lew Williams Center For Early Learning made possible by the Speer Dream Foundation and Juvenile Welfare Board
OCHR is a 501c3 nonprofit that assists parents with child custody and co-parenting, at no cost to the family. Contact Jake and Greg at info@ourchildrenhaverights.com.
Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.
Contact: info@OurChildrenHaveRights.com Learn more online: www.OCHR.OrgTo donate: www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate