Schools As Resources
Who Should You Talk To?
Someone who specializes in children and divorces and/or exploration of feelings.
Someone who can be available to the child and with whom your child feels comfortable.
Someone who knows your child or can come to know your child as an individual.
Possibilities: counselor, psychologist, classroom teacher, or a special subject teacher.
What Should You Tell Them?
Information which will assist them in helping your child in his/her adjustment. Again be careful to not blame the other parent.
Information related to logistics, such as who is to receive report cards, conference notifications, etc.
Observations you have regarding your child as they affect school attitudes, behaviors, and achievements.
Questions regarding school or community resources.
Areas of which you wish to be informed, such as changes in behavior, tardiness, etc.
When Should You Share The Information?
When you have specific information that can be used by school personnel to help the child.
Don’t hesitate to enlist the school’s help during the divorce.
During a scheduled conference with the stated purpose being to discuss the divorce situation (see “Where?”). Seek both parents at this meeting.
Where Can You Talk About It?
In a private conference with one teacher, counselor, etc.
In a group conference with several involved school personnel.
How Can School Personnel Help?
Watch for and report to you any changes in performance or behavior.
Be supportive of your child.
Be a listening ear; give child permission to share feelings.
Be a consistent person in the child’s life who will monitor the whole child.
Assist with referrals, consultations or follow-up.