If you are getting divorced as a parent, it may take time to tell everyone involved in the child’s life about the upcoming split. You will certainly talk to family members and close friends. But what about the child’s teacher? Do you need to let the school know?
You do not have to tell the school about the divorce, but it can be helpful to talk to the child’s teacher if you would like. Here are three reasons why.
Scheduling changes
First of all, for safety reasons, schools are rather particular about who picks children up and drops them off. There may be a sign-out procedure. If you’re getting divorced and it’s going to change the schedule, the school needs to know. For instance, perhaps both of you will be using childcare after the divorce, so a babysitter may pick the kids up or drop them off. The school needs to know who has this authorization.
Changes in behavior
Additionally, a divorce can sometimes affect a child’s behavior in school. As such, it’s helpful for the teacher to know that the divorce is happening. This gives them some insight if the child lashes out emotionally or starts to do worse academically.
Offering support
Finally, children sometimes need a person to talk to or a support system if they’re struggling with the divorce. Teachers naturally end up filling this role in many cases, so it can help the teacher to have more details about the divorce.
Divorce with children can be complicated, as you can see. Make sure you are well aware of all of your legal options.