If you're going through a contested divorce in Pasadena, it's important to remember that all children are affected by stress at home. Refusing to speak poorly of your ex in front of your child is certainly a noble goal, but children can sense your feelings even when they are not explicitly stated. If there are issues in your divorce relating to child custody or your child has had to move to a new home because of the divorce, this can cause further stress.
The way children deal with stress often depends on their age and temperament. A preschool age boy, for example, might start having accidents at school even though he's been potty trained for over a year or get in trouble for trying to bite a classmate who wouldn't share a toy. A teenage girl, in comparison, might have poor grades, experiment with alcohol, or take up a romance with a much older boy. Any change in your child's behavior after your divorce should be carefully considered as you're determining how well he or she is adjusting to the new structure of your family life.
Although you don't need to share all the details surrounding your divorce, it's a good idea to let your child's teacher know about the changes in your home. Ask to be contacted if there are any changes she notices in your son or daughter's behavior. If there are problems that need to be addressed, it's best to deal with the issue as soon as possible. School plays an important role in maintaining stability in a child's life, so it's in everyone's best interest to make sure your child is able to focus well enough to reach his or her full potential.
In most schools, notices regarding parent teacher conferences, extracurricular activities, and a child's school progress will automatically be sent to the parent who has primary custody of the child. If you have a different way you would like to handle communication from the school, you will need to make special arrangements. School administrators understand that many children have complicated home situations and should be willing to accommodate all reasonable requests. Pasadena family law firms can provide any necessary official documentation the school requires.