Back to school: How estranged parents can help their children adjust

This week is pivotal in the development of many children and young people in England who are returning to school for the first time in over five months.

However the school environment and routine that was reassuring and familiar to them earlier this year has changed dramatically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New measures implemented to help safeguard their well being include one way systems, different playground rules and staggering starting and finishing times.  

Secondary pupils in local lockdown areas such as Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees will also have to wear face coverings in school corridors.   

While looking forward to being reunited with their friends, children will understandably feel anxious about the new rules, particularly those who are old enough to have seen and read about the mixed reactions to schools reopening.        

It is therefore vital that their parents – particularly those who are divorced or separated – do their utmost to help ensure a smooth transition.

This can be achieved by working together in a spirit of mutual cooperation to communicate even more closely with their sons and daughters and find out how they think and feel about the myriad of changes they face.

Talking to them and reassuring them why the measures are needed will help to ease apprehensions and anxieties they may be experiencing.

Making sure children stick to a routine outside of school with set times for eating, bedtime and pastimes has also taking on an unprecedented importance.

Creating a stable environment where the best interests of children and young people are the overriding priority requires establishing and sustaining a workable solution.

Above all in these turbulent times estranged parents can remind their children that they both love them very much and are here for them in the days, months and years ahead.         

Jones Myers committed teams are continuing to support our clients through these exceptional circumstances.  

Our dedicated Children Department of highly experienced professionals balances the needs of children and their parents in issues including residence and contact disputes, care proceedings, international child abduction and adoption.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on children, divorce or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce