Co-parenting is rarely easy, no matter the time of year. We at the law offices of , & , LLC, know that with school starting, you and other divorced parents in Maryland will need to get used to new routines and schedules. This can present challenges and conflict if you and your ex are not on the same parenting page.
According to HelpGuide, children thrive on reliable structure and routine, especially if their parents are divorced. The stress of changing schedules at the beginning of summer or the start of a new school year can be confusing and upsetting for your children. How can I maintain consistency if my ex does things differently, you may wonder? The following suggestions may help:
- At the start of the school year, explain your rules and expectations to your children regarding homework, chores, bedtime and other things.
- Keep a consistent routine that your children will become familiar with even if your ex’s routine is not the same.
- Avoid getting angry at your ex in front of the children.
- Accept that you and your ex may have differences in parenting styles and you do not necessarily have to be on the same page.
- Keep the lines of communication open with your ex.
It should take a few weeks for your children to get used to their new routines during the school year. When you remain consistent, your kids should know what to expect when they are with you. It is also important to be aware of signs that you may need outside help from a therapist or legal counsel, as our page on child custody explains.
