Staying Involved in Your Child’s Extracurricular Activities After Divorce

 Posted on May 20, 2021 in Child Custody

A divorce upends the lives of everyone in the family, especially children who must adjust to dividing their time between their two parents’ homes. Often, children will turn to the things they enjoy to cope with the change and stress of divorce. If you are going through a divorce, you should try to ensure that your children can still participate in their favorite extracurricular activities. You may even be able to use these activities as bonding time with your kids to help keep your relationships strong.

Supporting Your Children’s Activities and Interests

Illinois courts recognize that extracurricular activities are important for a child’s enjoyment, growth, and development, and family law statutes often treat them with the same level of importance as a child’s education and health. You can stay involved with your child’s extracurricular activities through both the terms of your divorce agreement and your efforts on a regular basis after the divorce. Here are some suggestions for doing so:

• Address extracurricular decision-making in your parenting plan. Choices about extracurricular activities are considered significant decisions in the allocation of parental responsibilities. Try to be sure that your parenting plan includes you in these decisions, especially for activities that you have been involved with in the past.

• Take responsibility for transportation during parenting time. Until your kids can drive on their own, they will likely need your help to get to and from their activities. Whenever possible, make time to handle the transportation yourself during your scheduled parenting time, or at least make arrangements to ensure your kids get to practices and events on time.

• Consider volunteering to help with your children’s activities. Coaching a team or even simply helping out as needed can create opportunities for quality time with your children. It may even be an opportunity to see your children on a more regular basis if you do not have as much parenting time as you would like.

• Attend your children’s events. Going to your children’s games, performances, and other events shows that you love and care about them. Keep in mind that your former spouse may also be likely to attend, and make an effort to treat them with respect so that your children do not have to cope with your conflict.

• Talk to your children about their interests. Some children tend to withdraw after their parents’ divorce, but their favorite activities may be conversation topics that help them come out of their shells. This can help them become more comfortable talking with you about more serious topics as well.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Family Law Attorney

At Cosley Law Office, we understand that your children’s happiness and well-being are likely some of your biggest concerns throughout the divorce process. We can help you create a parenting plan that provides for their best interests, including when it comes to their extracurricular activities. Contact us today at 847-253-3100 for a free consultation with our Arlington Heights parenting time attorney.

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

https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/plans/provisions/education.php