As the school year winds down, co-parents may benefit from taking time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t during their child’s school year—and start planning for the upcoming academic year as a result.
If you co-parent with your ex, late May and early June is the perfect time to assess how well your parenting plan supported your child’s educational needs during the academic year and to begin making adjustments that will help next year go more smoothly.
What works and what needs attention?
Start by reviewing how communication went during the school year. Did both of you stay informed about grades, teacher updates and school events? Was there a clear plan for attending parent-teacher conferences or responding to issues like absences and behavior? If communication was inconsistent or stressful, this is the time to consider using shared digital calendars, parenting apps and other agreed-upon methods for staying in the loop.
Next, look at how parenting time supported the school routine. Did the current schedule allow your child to get adequate rest, complete homework and arrive at school on time? If either home presented challenges—such as long commutes, distractions or different rules around homework and screen time—it may be worth adjusting the parenting schedule for better consistency.
Now is also a good time to plan for summer transitions. Will your child be attending camps or spending time with extended family? Will either parent’s work schedule change? Coordinating now can help avoid last-minute confusion and ensure a smooth transition from school-year routines to summer activities.
Looking ahead to the next school year, consider discussing logistical details like who will handle school registration, supply shopping and after-school care. If your child is changing schools or moving up to a new academic level, both parents should be prepared to support that transition together.
Co-parenting works best when both parents take an active role in planning ahead. As this school year ends, consider using this time to collaborate, communicate and prepare for the one to come.