The reality of the single parent home is that we become quite adept at adjusting to changes There may be moves or school changes, our custody arrangements may change over time, our families may expand or contract as the months and years pass. We may be so busy dealing with the day-to-day realities of caring for our family that we forget to let schools, day care leaders, and others who need to know aware of how things have changed for our child.
I have written before about how our custody arrangement has morphed over the years. Additionally, both my children’s father and I have moved into different homes since we divorced. My children’s father has also re-partnered so my kids have a “step mother” in the mix, and their paternal grandparents relocated to our home town from where they had been living in another state. All of these are things that my kids’ schools really need to know. Schools are not supposed to release your child or information to someone who has not been authorized, so if there is a new step-parent who may be picking them up or attending events or meetings, or if the child’s schedule changes due to different custody arrangements–teachers, administrators, coaches, and other adults in authority will likely need to know that information.
I find that it is easy to remember to share changes when they happen before the school year starts. Then, when I’m filling out all that paperwork, I can make changes to the addresses, phone numbers, e-mail and emergency information. But, we all know that life is not always that neat and changes do not always occur according to the school calendar. If things change in the midst of the school year, you may have to be extra vigilant to make sure that you update all the school records and make sure everyone who needs to know does.
Also: Expect to Start Over Every School Year