Back to School and Family Time in Two Homes

Over the past couple of years, kids have been shifting back and forth between in-class time and virtual schooling. These changes are hard on the kids but can be even harder when they juggle family time in two homes. Now that the rules for extra-curricular activities and school functions are different, families need to make specific plans for designated family time.

If you are co-parenting, the scheduling may become more challenging.

If you only have your child half the time and they have a myriad of school activities, you may feel like you are losing touch. As you spend less time together, your bond feels weaker, and you’ll want to do everything you can to support your connection with your child.

Designate Specific Times Using a Shared Family Calendar App

When you spent every day with your child, it was easy to allow for a natural flow of time together to support your relationship. It gets more difficult with less time together and more demands on your child’s time as they get older. Organic time together is scarce. It may feel awkward at first, but soon your underlying relationship takes over, and your time together becomes more natural again.

Use the 2houses shared family calendar app to schedule times for video chats, calls, or short visits when they are with their other parent. The shared calendar app also keeps track of school, family time in two homes, and extra-curricular events, so you never miss a thing!

Communication – The Key to Family Time

Here are some tips for communicating with children of different ages during your scheduled family time. Take the lead to encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings.

Preschoolers (3 – 6 yrs)

Ask about recent events and ask for details. Try questions like, “Who did you play with at daycare today?” “What games did you play?” “How did you make this art?” Encourage them to talk about both positive and negative feelings and possible causes for their emotions.

School-Aged Children (6 – 12 yrs)

Talk about your school-aged children’s activities, what they like and dislike and their friends. You’re your school-aged children with setting goals and problem-solving. “When will you do your homework since you are going to gymnastics after school?” Discuss strategies and solutions and allow your child the opportunity to muse about possible outcomes. Encourage them to talk about feelings and the possible reasons for the emotions.

Adolescents (12 – 18 yrs)

Remember being a teenager? This is often a difficult time for kids. Adolescents all go through significant social and physical changes. Keep up with your adolescent’s activities and relationships through casual conversation. Be interested. Ask questions gently and respectfully. Provide a balance between an expectation of personal responsibility and offering them consistent support.

Set Aside Family Time to Form and Maintain Strong Relationship Bonds

Designing specific family time using your shared family calendar app facilitates effective communication. This communication is foundational to forming healthy relationships with your children throughout the school year. Parents with joint custody can use several features in the 2houses shared family calendar app to help you and your co-parent plan designated family time in two homes.