Divorced parents in Texas rely on communication and organization for their children: about schedules, about finances, about everything! Communication resources and organization can be essential to getting it right.
Luckily for you, there are many communication resources available to help. Taking advantage of them will make life easier in so many ways…for you, for your ex, and most importantly, for your children.
Apps/Websites
While sharing a Google calendar is one option to ease communication, the following also allow you to track finances and documents in addition to schedules.
- SupportPay—this website is a one-stop-shop for all your co-parenting and child support needs. The website lets you track your expenses, find resources specific to your state, get helpful blog articles, and even join a community message board.
- Cozi App—this app allows you to share calendars with your co-parent, keeping each other informed of the kids’ appointments, events, and even chores and grocery lists.
Organizational Tools
In addition to communication resources to handle all the information, co-parents also need to share a lot of stuff—clothing, school supplies, sports equipment, instruments, and so much more. A good organization strategy will help everyone stay calm and be prepared.
- A car kit—this can stay in your car, and have essentials that your child will always need but might forget in their trips between houses. It could include extra socks or underwear, medication, school supplies, or lunch money. When you use something out of the kit, replace it immediately.
- A file organizer—each parent should have a file for their child(ren) that includes copies of important documents, such as social security cards, birth certificates, and insurance information.
- A calendar—a wall calendar at each parents’ house can help ease anxiety (for both children and adults) about where they’re going to be at any given time during the month.
- Clothing labels—purchasing sew-in or iron-on labels for children’s clothing could go a long way to preventing conflicts over children’s clothing. That way everyone can easily identify “mom’s” clothes vs. “dad’s” clothes.
Putting in the time to set up a system for communication and organization will make life easier and less stressful for both co-parents and their children.