Navigating extracurricular activities when coparenting
By Celina Colombo, Esq.
September is the season of soccer sign-ups, bustling dance studios, and drive-through dinners. Families everywhere turn their minivans into second homes and cling to their calendars like survival guides.
In two-parent homes, managing extracurricular activities is a juggling act, but for co-parents, the logistics are harder—two households, two schedules, two places to look for that lost uniform.
As a custody lawyer, I want you to remember that navigating your child’s extracurricular activities doesn’t have to be a tug-of-war. With some patience, planning, and communication, you can turn the chaos into a chance to model teamwork and give your children experiences they’ll remember long after they leave the field.
Here are a few tips that make all the difference:
Choose activities together.
Try your best to talk through options and agree on activities that fit your child’s interests and the logistics of both households. The first lesson you can teach your child about being part of a team is showing them that you can work together as one, too.
Use a shared calendar.
It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Whether it’s Google Calendar or a co-parenting app, both parents must have the same information about practices, games, and deadlines as soon as it’s available.
Remember kids live in the moment.
Children don’t always connect today’s resistance with tomorrow’s joy. They may tell one parent they love an activity, while telling the other they’re ready to quit. Without trust and communication, this creates conflict. Don’t let mixed signals drive a wedge between you.
Communicate with each other, and stay consistent, because pushing through the “I don’t feel like it” moments will help your kids learn commitment, build friendships, and develop confidence within.
Share responsibilities and respect each other.
Split costs, share transportation, and show up. Support the schedule and always remember that activities don’t pause for custody exchanges. This won’t work without flexibility. I promise that your children will notice the effort, but keep in mind that they will notice the conflict, too.
At the end of the day, your child won’t remember who drove or who paid, they will only remember how they felt. It’s up to you whether those memories are marked by conflict, or by two parents who showed up, worked together, and made them feel like they were always on the same team.
Celina Colombo is an attorney and owner of Colombo Law, based in Willoughby. Her practice specializes in family law. She can be contacted at celina@colombofamilylaw.com or 440-765-8654. Visit her website at https://colombofamilylaw.com.
Image credit: Adobe Stock / By bsd studio
September is the season of soccer sign-ups, bustling dance studios, and drive-through dinners. Families everywhere turn their minivans into second homes and cling to their calendars like survival guides.
In two-parent homes, managing extracurricular activities is a juggling act, but for co-parents, the logistics are harder—two households, two schedules, two places to look for that lost uniform.
As a custody lawyer, I want you to remember that navigating your child’s extracurricular activities doesn’t have to be a tug-of-war. With some patience, planning, and communication, you can turn the chaos into a chance to model teamwork and give your children experiences they’ll remember long after they leave the field.
Here are a few tips that make all the difference:
Choose activities together.
Try your best to talk through options and agree on activities that fit your child’s interests and the logistics of both households. The first lesson you can teach your child about being part of a team is showing them that you can work together as one, too.
Use a shared calendar.
It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Whether it’s Google Calendar or a co-parenting app, both parents must have the same information about practices, games, and deadlines as soon as it’s available.
Remember kids live in the moment.
Children don’t always connect today’s resistance with tomorrow’s joy. They may tell one parent they love an activity, while telling the other they’re ready to quit. Without trust and communication, this creates conflict. Don’t let mixed signals drive a wedge between you.
Communicate with each other, and stay consistent, because pushing through the “I don’t feel like it” moments will help your kids learn commitment, build friendships, and develop confidence within.
Share responsibilities and respect each other.
Split costs, share transportation, and show up. Support the schedule and always remember that activities don’t pause for custody exchanges. This won’t work without flexibility. I promise that your children will notice the effort, but keep in mind that they will notice the conflict, too.
At the end of the day, your child won’t remember who drove or who paid, they will only remember how they felt. It’s up to you whether those memories are marked by conflict, or by two parents who showed up, worked together, and made them feel like they were always on the same team.
Celina Colombo is an attorney and owner of Colombo Law, based in Willoughby. Her practice specializes in family law. She can be contacted at celina@colombofamilylaw.com or 440-765-8654. Visit her website at https://colombofamilylaw.com.
Image credit: Adobe Stock / By bsd studio