How to Support Your Children’s Education After an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on August 31, 2020 in Children of Divorce

For children of divorce, the coping process often continues long after the divorce is finalized. Their parents’ separation is a major, usually permanent change in their lives, and it is only natural that they may struggle in the months and years that follow. One area that often suffers is the children’s educational goals and performance, but parents can help by showing support and understanding. The following are a few examples of how co-parents can encourage their kids to keep up with their schooling after divorce. 

Tips for Helping Your Children With School

A new school year is just beginning, and whether your divorce is recent or a few years in the past, this is likely to be a challenging time for your children. Here are some ways you can help:

• Understand that your children may struggle. After a divorce, a drop in a child’s academic performance is common, as he or she may struggle to stay motivated or focused on schoolwork. Try to avoid putting too much pressure on your kids or getting upset about lower grades, and instead make an effort to ask your children what kind of support they need to succeed.

• Stay involved. Your mind may be elsewhere after a divorce as well, but it is important that you continue to show interest in your children’s education and school experience. If your child is used to you volunteering at school or helping with extracurricular activities, try to stay involved as much as you can.

• Maintain a routine. When your children are dividing time between two households after a divorce, it can be difficult to maintain their school and homework routines. Communicate as much as possible with your ex so that you can work together to be consistent and reinforce rules and expectations.

• Support online learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children are attending school at least partially online. Try to establish an environment in both households where your kids have access to the technology and materials they need to be successful.

• Plan for college. Unfortunately, divorce can affect many children’s aspirations of attending college. As your children get older, try to have regular conversations about their college plans, and work together with your ex to reach an agreement on contributing to college expenses so that your kids’ college goals are within financial reach.

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney

A divorce that involves children can be especially difficult and may have a negative impact on the kids’ school performance. At A. Traub & Associates, we are committed to helping families get through a divorce while keeping their goals and relationships intact. We can help you with a parenting plan and child support arrangement that focuses on your children’s educational interests. Contact our qualified and dedicated Wheaton divorce lawyers today at 630-426-0196 to schedule your confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/kids-divorce-and-school-success/