Most teachers want to keep the lines of communication open between them and their students’ parents. However, some divorcing parents feel uncomfortable or unsure as to how much information they should tell their children’s instructors. While they certainly want to make the transition easier for their children, they may be hesitant to give too many details. The good news is that teachers do not need or want to hear all the details about an impending divorce. At the same time, they will want a heads up as a courtesy. The following are a few reasons why it is recommended to communicate with your children’s teachers about your upcoming divorce.
Teachers Need to Know Who to Contact
A teacher who wants to speak with a student’s parent about an academic issue may not know who to call in the event of a divorce. Maybe they always call the child’s father, but find out that the child is no longer living regularly with him. This hiccup causes them to lose opportunities to help the student. It may also put them in a tough spot. A better solution is for both parents to let their children’s teachers know who to reach. Even if the schedules are complicated, such as a child spending Monday through Wednesday with one parent and Thursday through Sunday with the other parent, the teacher will appreciate having advance knowledge.
Teachers Can Be a First Line of Defense
Many times, children who seem to be functioning well at home, despite a rocky divorce, may show cracks at school. For instance, it is not unusual for children’s grades to slide when they are having trouble adjusting to living with one parent or moving from house to house. A teacher can alert the parents if assignments are being missed or the child is exhibiting unusual personality traits in the classroom. With this information, parents can work with a counselor who can talk to the child and help them get through the tough spot.
Teachers are Expected to Understand Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Especially in the elementary school years, teachers and administrators are legally required to take care of the children in their establishments during the school day. This includes drop-off and pick-up times. Every divorcing parent should give the school staff a schedule of who can pick up their children. They should also outline what the teachers need to expect in terms of whether a child is staying in after-school care certain days. The more information the teacher and administrators have, the safer the children will be.
Chester County Divorce Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Clients Throughout the Divorce Process
Although it can be embarrassing and difficult to talk about a pending divorce, parents who connect early with their children’s teachers can ease the transition for everyone. If you are considering a divorce, contact the Chester County divorce lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. if you are in need of a family law attorney. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County. Call us today at 610-565-3701 or submit an online form for an initial consultation.