Nan’s top back to school tips

Divorce reality expert Nan Cohen shares her top back to school tips for those dealing with separation and divorce as the children return to school this fall.

1. Support your child in feeling good about what they do.  Discuss what’s ahead this year and determine what roles each parent can play individually and together.  “When you tackle that calendar of carpooling, parent –teacher meetings, arts programs and sports”.  Cohen suggests “keep the happiness of your child foremost.  These are not chores for parents; these are milestones to share with your children.
   
2. Set Homework Rules.  Homework can look very different at Mom’s house or Dad’s home. Cohen suggests that parents discuss guidelines for important issues like homework, curfews and driving.  “Kids of all ages benefit from that structure” she says “Having similar rules at each home –if parents live apart- is very helpful to the children.  It’s best not to allow children to play one parent off the other with ‘Mom said I could!’ moments.”
   
3. Keep it simple.  A favorite reminder from Nan, who insists realistic planning and goals to keep school and all of the other layers of life more manageable.  You can be very positive by being realistic in setting schedules, timelines and vacation plans.  Sometimes this planning must be less to do about custody agreements and more about what your child needs.”