In a shared custody arrangement, both parents have equal responsibility for taking care of the children, which includes making sure they’re set up for success in their studies.
Both parents must be on the same page about expectations for when and how kids will complete homework, and should be prepared to take an active role in their children’s education to an appropriate degree, based on the child’s age.
There are several things divorced parents can do to ensure their children are successful with their homework and studies across households:
- Communicate: Both parents should regularly keep each other informed about what their children have been working on and the routines they’ve been following. Set consistent plans, boundaries and expectations that translate across households so children don’t have to learn different rules for different houses.
- Monitor class resources: A lot of teachers, for example, use online portals that contain calendars, general overviews of lessons, homework responsibilities and records of grades. Both parents should follow these resources when they’re available and regularly use them.
- Get supplies: Make sure your children have all the supplies they need to complete their homework and to take to class.
- Have a place for them to work: In each household, your children should have a dedicated location where they can focus on their homework. It should be a quiet, well-lit area that is comfortable and has a surface for writing.
- Get kids involved in setting routines: This is especially important as your children get over. Make sure they have some agency in setting some routines. Older children know how much work they have to do and how long certain types of homework will take them. If they have some agency in setting routines, they’ll be more likely to stick to them.
For more tips about how you can help children achieve educational excellence even across multiple households, contact an experienced St. Paul, Minnesota divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.