Our New Jersey family law attorneys are aware of the difficulties families face as many schools begin the academic year online.
Which Parent is in Charge of Handling Schoolwork?
In New Jersey, there are no clear-cut rules as to which parent is expected to handle the bulk of online learning assistance. This situation is just as new for the courts as it is for the rest of us. However, the courts commonly agree that each parent is expected to handle childcare and schoolwork during their custody time.
What Can You Both Do to Make This Situation Easier for Your Child?
Our family law experts recommend doing the following to ease your child’s transition into the new school year and promote their well-being during this temporary change in circumstances.
- If your child is old and mature enough, let them have a say. As children learn to adjust to these unprecedented circumstances, it’s important that you value their input on the online learning environment that works best for them. Maybe they normally stay with your ex two days during the week, but they have a dog that barks constantly and would cause unnecessary disruptions in schoolwork. In situations like this, you and your ex should be as flexible as possible to accommodate your child’s success.
- Work together to structure your child’s school day. Your child’s online school day should include regularly-scheduled breaks, just like an in-person experience. You and your ex (and your child, if applicable) should work together to create a dedicated lunch time, snack time and free play time that encourages productivity and gives your child a needed release from the stresses of online learning. When your child is at your ex’s home, make sure they enforce that schedule as well.
- Create a dedicated space for learning in each of your homes. Your child will complete their schoolwork most efficiently in a space that is quiet and dedicated to learning. You and your ex should each create a space in your home that is free of distractions and makes it clear to your child that it is for learning only. This space should be free of distractions, such as cell phones and television, and your child should leave this space at the end of their virtual school day, just like they would leave their school building.
The family law attorneys at Rotolo, Bozanian & Yi will help your family come up with an online learning plan to help your child succeed academically until they may return to school in-person. Contact us today at (201)-947-1500, or through our website, to get started!
