Navigating a Change in School Districts for Your Kids

Sometimes, a Georgia divorce causes both ex-partners to have to move. If the marital house is sold or about to go on sale, then both you and your ex-husband have to find new places to live. This could be near each other in a nearby town or, depending on the circumstances, a little further apart.

At Buckhead Family Law, we understand that with every move to a different city, a new school district is zoned which affects the children. So, how can you make this transition a little easier on your kids?

Switching School Districts 

Moving to a new school can be a major source of anxiety for kids. Throw in the fact that mom and dad are getting a divorce, and your children can become even more lost, confused, and sad. After all, they have to acclimate to a new school away from all of their friends, as well as get comfortable with new teachers, classmates, and more. In order to make this tough transition easier on your kids, you should consider the following suggestions.

Be Honest with Your Child

There’s no lying to kids during a divorce. If they find out later on that you lied to them about things like the reasons for the divorce, switching schools, and so on, their trust in you will be compromised. Instead, be as honest as possible about the situation, while still keeping it grade level appropriate. This honesty will help them understand why the move and school district switch are necessary.

Ask for Their Thoughts on the Matter

What about your children’s opinion? By not asking them how they feel and forcing them to go to the new school unprepared emotionally, the adjustment could be painful. The kids might start acting up, getting detention or suspension at school, and even disobeying your authority. Rather than make the adjustment harder, ask them how they feel. Give them space to vent, and when needed, include some good solutions. You could even let them make a decision or two in order to make things go smoothly and preserve their autonomy. This way, they can arrive at their new school district as the well-adjusted kids that you know they are.

Consider a Therapist

Therapy really can help, especially when kids are in the middle of a divorce. A therapist can help them better process all of the changes that come with divorce, like moving and attending new schools. Having someone to talk to outside of the immediate family can help your kids both mentally and emotionally. They’ll be able to discuss their feelings about the situation openly without being judged. Remember that no matter how well they seem, your kids could benefit from speaking with a therapist.

Have Your Ex-husband Help with the Transition

The burden of helping your kids get used to a new school district isn’t something that you should deal with on your own. Your ex-husband also needs to play a key role in the transition, helping to make it go as smoothly as possible. The kids don’t need to see mom and dad fighting over who has to pick them up from school or whose responsibility it is to pay for school supplies and activities. By presenting a united front, your kids will feel more comfortable and stable.

Need a Divorce Lawyer in Georgia to Help You With Custody?

Are you worried about the school that your kids will attend after your Georgia divorce? Do you have questions about custody and having to schedule school pickups and drops off? Do you need to have a solid school and parenting plan in place?  If so, then you need a good Georgia divorce lawyer.

At Buckhead Family Law, our legal team works diligently to meet the needs of clients getting divorced in today’s tech driven world – this means taking everything online into consideration. One thing that hasn’t changed about divorce? It is still one of the most harrowing experiences someone can go through, and we understand that. That is why we always treat our clients with grace and compassion.

Need help? We are here to assist you as you begin the next chapter of your life while ensuring that all of the loose ends are tied up in the least complicated way. Schedule a consultation today by calling 404.390.0000.