Taking a child out of school

[chronicle]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

50/50 custody; child not doing well in school (some non-violent behavior problems, grades not good- test scores in the 60s-70s most weeks) Teacher is very concerned with his lack of progress.

My ex took our kid out of school to go out of town for two days with him on business. He didn't notify me that kiddo would be away (he is required via the divorce decree) nor that he was taking kiddo out of school (this is NOT addressed in the decree).

Because missing school is not addressed in the decree, is there anything I can do about his Dad taking him out of school during his parenting time? Is it worth attempting to get the decree changed? I am not overreacting or freaking out, and I recognize that in the future there may be times I would like to have kiddo miss school for something too. I just don't want this to become a pattern if there's a way to stop it.

 

[mistoffolees]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

50/50 custody; child not doing well in school (some non-violent behavior problems, grades not good- test scores in the 60s-70s most weeks) Teacher is very concerned with his lack of progress.

My ex took our kid out of school to go out of town for two days with him on business. He didn't notify me that kiddo would be away (he is required via the divorce decree) nor that he was taking kiddo out of school (this is NOT addressed in the decree).

Because missing school is not addressed in the decree, is there anything I can do about his Dad taking him out of school during his parenting time? Is it worth attempting to get the decree changed? I am not overreacting or freaking out, and I recognize that in the future there may be times I would like to have kiddo miss school for something too. I just don't want this to become a pattern if there's a way to stop it.

There are times when it IS necessary to take the child out of school for a short time, so be careful about too restrictive of a decree. For example, my daughter had to be out of school for 3 days for an out-of-state funeral (and then missed a couple more due to airline problems).

If this is the first time it has happened, I would talk with ex and express your concerns - that the child shouldn't be missing school unnecessarily and that you would be happy to step in if the other parent has to go out of town on business.

Meanwhile, I would focus on the REAL issue - child's poor performance in school. A couple of days away isn't the problem. You need to figure out what you can do to address the REAL problem - hopefully in cooperation with the other parent. Your child's future is at stake.