If your divorce involves a school-going kid(s), it may affect their school life in different ways. For starters, their performance may plummet, as their emotions may negatively impact their concentration. Additionally, they may experience behavior changes, such as withdrawing from social activities, getting into fights and experiencing severe mood swings.
Since your child spends a decent amount of the day at school, it can be beneficial if the adults around them know about the divorce. This way, they can determine the best ways to support your child. Here is what to know about telling your child’s school about your divorce:
Do it sooner
Once your divorce is public (your loved ones, including your child, know about it), consider informing your kid’s school about it soon afterward – not when your child’s grades have already dropped or when they are facing disciplinary action.
When the school knows what’s happening earlier, it can develop systems that support your child. Besides, teachers can spot changes quickly and inform you – some concerning changes in your child may go unnoticed when the people who spend the most time with them don’t know what’s happening at home.
Know who to contact
Your first contact can be your child’s teacher, the school’s guidance counselor or any other staff member. It’s recommended to first contact the guidance counselor, as they can help you identify all teachers who need to know about the divorce. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can then write an email and send it to everyone.
Limit what you tell them
Your child’s school only needs to know about the divorce and the school aspects it will affect, such as emergency contact information, pick-up and drop-offs and so forth. Don’t go into the personal details behind the divorce.
Informing your child’s school about your divorce can significantly protect your kid. Learn more about this to make decisions in your child’s best interest.
