Co-Parenting Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Remote Learning

 Posted on February 12, 2021 in Uncategorized

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the regular educational routine for children throughout the United States. While there is hope that schools will be able to transition back toward in-person learning in the near future, the majority of Illinois school districts are still relying wholly or in part on remote learning. This presents challenges for children and parents alike, especially in families with divorced parents in which children divide their time between two homes.

How Can Divorced Parents Manage At-Home Schooling?

The coordination, attention, and support that remote learning requires can push parents to the limit, but there are some things that you and your former spouse can do to improve the experience and help your children continue to learn effectively:

• Identify the best learning environment. Children may find it easier to focus on school if they have a dedicated space in the home for remote learning, with a desk, a computer, a webcam, a reliable Internet connection, and other necessary materials and equipment. Both parents may be able to create such a space in their own home, but you may find that one parents’ home is better than the other for this purpose.

• Be flexible with parenting time. While it is important to follow your parenting time agreement as much as possible, you may be able to work with your former spouse to adapt to the unusual circumstances. For example, if your children need to be at one parent’s home during each school day, you may work out a temporary arrangement in which the other parent gets more time on the weekends. Alternatively, you could trade off school days with the other parent to share the responsibilities of child care and supervision so that you have time to focus on your own work-from-home responsibilities.

• Communicate and maintain consistent expectations. As much as possible, stay in touch with the other parent so that you are both informed about your children’s educational progress and challenges related to remote learning. You should also try to be consistent with the other parent when enforcing school and study time expectations.

• Check in with your children regularly. Remember that as challenging as remote learning may be for you as a parent, it is just as difficult, if not more so, for your children. Kids of all ages may struggle to adapt to this new learning experience, and their academic performance and mental health may suffer. Be open to talking with your children and listening to their concerns, and try to work together as co-parents to be supportive and understanding.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Family Law Attorney

At the Cosley Law Office, we can help you establish a parenting plan that allows for flexibility for the current circumstances, or offer legal guidance regarding parenting time conflicts or modifications after your divorce. For a free consultation, contact an Arlington Heights family lawyer at 847-253-3100 today.

Sources:

https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/school-covid-19-divorce/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=8300000&SeqEnd=10000000

https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html