Keeping Co-parenting Conflict Out of School
Your child's school is one of your most important co-parenting partners, and working collaboratively with school staff can make a significant difference in your child's success. In this conversation, certified mediator and custody coach Danica Dockery shares practical strategies for helping schools support children of divorce, including keeping both parents informed, communicating proactively about school decisions, and building positive relationships with teachers and staff so the focus stays where it belongs—on your child's well-being.
Keeping Co-Parenting Conflict Out of School
When parents divorce, it's easy to focus on the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of the process. But one important partner is often overlooked: your child's school. In this conversation, certified mediator, custody coach, educator, and curriculum author Danica Dockery explains why schools should be viewed as your co-education partner. While teachers and administrators work hard to support students, most have little or no training in helping children navigate the challenges of divorce. By proactively working with the school, parents can create a more stable and supportive environment for their children.
Danica shares several practical strategies that can make co-parenting through the school much smoother. Both parents should make sure the school knows there is a parenting plan in place and that each parent has their own access to the school's parent portal, email communications, and important announcements. Even if one parent has traditionally handled school matters, both parents should stay informed about assignments, events, conferences, and activities. This not only reduces misunderstandings but also ensures both parents can remain actively involved in their child's education.
Another key takeaway is the importance of communicating respectfully with both your co-parent and the school. Major school-related decisions, such as course selections, extracurricular activities, and other educational opportunities, should be discussed together whenever possible so both parents have input and support the outcome. Danica also reminds parents that kindness matters. Building positive relationships with teachers, administrators, and school staff helps create a collaborative atmosphere where everyone is working toward the same goal: helping your child thrive. By keeping conflict away from the school and treating educators as valued partners, parents can provide children with the consistency, security, and support they need during and after divorce.
You can contact Danica here:
https://www.divorcenetworkpro.com/professionals/danica-dockery
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