Back to school: what do co-parents need to consider?

It’s that time of year again: the weather is cooling down, the days are getting shorter, and the children are heading back to school. It’s a busy time for all, and co-parents will likely find they have a few extra things to think about when preparing for their children to return to school. 

We have listed some key considerations to bear in mind.

1. Coordinate calendars early

• Share key school dates like term start/end, parents’ evenings, sports days, and holidays.
• Use shared digital calendars (Google Calendar, Cozi, etc.) to avoid miscommunication.

2. Split responsibilities clearly

• Decide who handles what: uniforms, stationery, school fees, drop-offs, etc.
• Keep it flexible – adjust responsibilities based on availability.

3. Communicate with the school

• Inform the school of the family setup so both parents receive updates.
• Ensure, where possible, that both parents are listed as emergency contacts and have access to school portals.

4. Put your child first

• Focus on what’s best for your child, not what’s easiest for you or the other parent.
• Encourage your child to express any worries and reassure them of your support.

5. Duplicate essentials if needed

• If possible, have basic supplies (uniforms, PE kits, stationery, etc.) at both homes to reduce stress and forgotten items during transitions.

6. Maintain open, respectful communication

• Use neutral language and avoid conflict in front of the child.
• Consider using co-parenting apps (for example, OurFamilyWizard or AppClose) to keep things organised and civil.

7. Budget together

• Back-to-school costs can add up – discuss and agree on how best to share any expenses.

8. Be flexible and supportive

• Life happens – be willing to adjust plans when needed.
• Support each other in attending school events or helping with homework.

9. If possible, celebrate milestones together

• Events such as the first day of school, certificates, and school plays are special – try to share these moments with your child and with each other.
• If attending together isn’t possible, share updates and photos to stay connected.

At Stone King, we are passionate about working with our clients to minimise conflict, and preserve family relationships wherever possible. If you found this list of considerations useful, and would like to discuss your circumstances with one of our team, please get in touch today.