How can you make back-to-school easier after divorce?

As the summer winds down and the new school year approaches, divorced parents across the country are dreading the return to early mornings, homework battles and busy weekends. If you’re struggling with the idea of going back to school as a newly single parent, here are a few tips to make the transition a little easier. 

Get organized. 

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get organized. Make a list of all the things you need to do to get your child ready for school and make sure you have plenty of time to get everything done. If you can, start shopping for school supplies a few weeks before school starts so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. You may also want to sit down with your child and go over their daily schedule so they know what to expect when they go back to school. 

Communicate with your ex. 

If you have joint custody of your child, it’s important to communicate with your ex-spouse about your child’s upcoming school year. Talk about things like who will be responsible for taking your child to and from school, what time homework will be done and how you will handle extracurricular activities. It’s also important to have a backup plan in case something comes up and you can’t make it to one of your child’s school events. 

Be flexible. 

One of the hardest things about being a single parent is that you have to be flexible. Things will come up that you can’t control, so it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow. If your child’s school calls and says they’re having a last-minute field trip, don’t freak out. Just take a deep breath and know that you’ll be able to figure it out. 

Seek out support. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek out support from friends, family, or even a therapist. It’s important to talk about how you’re feeling and to have someone to lean on when things get tough. You may also want to look for a support group for single parents in your area. These groups can be a great way to meet other parents who are going through the same thing as you. 

Going back to school as a single parent can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. If you take the time to get organized, communicate with your ex, and be flexible, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.