The end of a school year often brings award ceremonies, class parties, field days, proms, and graduations. For the divorced family, these special, fun and happy events and milestones can sometimes bring about stress and tension for both parents and kids. Whether you are newly divorced or have been divorced for years, take some time to plan in advance. A little bit of preparation will go a long way ensuring everyone involved will be fully engaged and have a positive experience, most especially your student.
Ensure invitations or notices that will be sent to friends and family include both biological parents’ names. If this is too complicated, have the invitation come from your student.
Ask a neutral party to sit in between you and your ex if you do not feel comfortable sitting next to them. This is especially important when there is a reserved section for the family.
Limit exposure with your ex if there is a concern about conflict. Also, alway have a go-to person who will be by your side or divert you if the space becomes uncomfortable.
Host graduation or other school milestone celebrations for your child on neutral territory, eliminating the discomfort of being in each other’s homes. This also allows everyone to leave when they’re ready.
Discuss the costs for any joint special celebrations in advance so as to avoid day-of-celebration disagreements.
Coordinate schedules directly with your ex, and then communicate them with your student so he/she knows the plans and is not placed in the middle of any planning discussions.
You and your ex can do this for your child and do it well, but keeping your child at the center of it all and planning for this and other aspects of your divorced life is key. Not sure where to start?
Reach out to Post Divorce Force, and let us help you get there.