When you get divorced, there will probably be a small circle of people you tell first. This generally includes close family members and friends. It may expand over time to the point where you may even post about your divorce on social media.
But as you go through this process, do you need to talk to your child’s school? Should you inform their teacher? It’s an important question to ask.
Why it can be helpful
You certainly don’t have to tell the school about the divorce, but there are some big reasons why it can be helpful. This is especially true for younger children who may have just one teacher all day rather than a multitude of teachers in high school.
For these children, the teacher often acts as a source of support if they need someone to talk to. Informing the teacher about the changes at home can be beneficial as they have these conversations.
Additionally, the teacher may see changes in the child, such as behavioral changes or even a decline in their academic performance. Many children are resilient and will recover in these areas with time, but a teacher who knows why it’s happening can help them more specifically.
You also want to think about any logistical changes. Does one parent need to be cut out of specific communications from the school? Who is allowed to drop the children off at school or pick them up at the end of the day? If there are any changes in these areas due to shifting custody rights, then the school should probably know.
Your custody arrangement
Addressing these issues can be part of the child custody process. As you move through it, take the time to understand all of your legal options to defend your rights and protect your relationship with your child.
