Sharing School and Education Information

You would think that since most children these days do not live in the same home as both of their parents, schools would stop acting like all of their students do. It doesn't really matter if your child lives with you or the other parent most of the time, you both will still want to stay informed and involved in their education. However, many schools make this task difficult.

If you are still in the middle of the divorce, ask your lawyer to insert a clause stating that you will both have the right to access school records and information. If there is ever a question from the school about whom should receive the information, this will serve as your documentation to show that both parents have the right. This might be enough for some schools but others will still make a big deal about it. They might complain that their antiquated database computer system can only handle one address per child. You have to make it a point to them that it is your right to receive this information and it's really up to them to figure out how to give it top you.

Once you no longer live together and have separated, let the school know right away. You should give both of your contact information and let them know that the report cards, notices and other information should be sent to both addresses. If they have a problem show them your divorce or custody judgment. Although this may get you all the information that is mailed home, it will not keep you on top of everything going on with your child's education.

Most of the information sent for parents by the school is not sent by mail but rather with your child. This might be a problem in split custody cases where the child does not go to the same home from school everyday. There are some easy tricks to ensure that both parents are fully informed. The parent that receives the information could fax or photocopy the information to the other parent or simply leave it in the school bag for the other parent after reviewing it.

Sharing your child's school information is of course a two way street and you should realize that if you mess around or withhold school information you're punishing your child and not the other parent. You might not have the best relationship with the other parent but your child does and you both have the right to stay involved and informed with their education.

Homework sometimes causes problems in many families. Some parents who do not have custody may feel that the child shouldn't be spending his or her time doing homework during a short visitation. For the good of your child, try and avoid that situation as much as possible and have all homework completed no matter where the child is everyday.

If parent teacher night will cause conflict between you and the other parent, try and schedule them separately. If you can handle it, you may go at the same time. If one of you cannot make it to the conference, you should be able to ask a teacher to have the meeting on the phone.

The best thing you can do when it comes to your children's education is to both stay involved, informed and supportive.

Article written by Crystal
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