The Texas Family Code sets out certain rights that parents have at all times unless limited by a court order. Many of those rights relate to health and education information and decision making—sometimes referred to as “meds and eds”.
In regard to a child’s education, a parent has the right to receive information and confer with the other parent. The right to access educational records and to confer with school officials regarding the child’s welfare and educational status is also included.
Finally, the parent has the right to attend school activities. Seems clear enough, but apparently not. This section of the Texas Family Code was recently amended to add the language:
including school lunches, performances, and field trips
Unfortunately, disputes have arisen when for example, a parent complains about the other parent having lunch with the child when it is not “their time” under the parenting time schedule. Absent some inappropriate behavior or other issues as to why the parent should not attend, such a dispute can deprive the child of parental involvement, and place the school in the middle of what should be a private family matter.
Trying to address those potential conflicts by adding language describing school activities is a positive step. However, there is always the danger that by defining school activities in part, some may take the position that if an activity isn’t listed, the other parent can’t attend. What about “Doughnuts with Dad”, the “Father-Daughter school dance”, etc.? While it may seem farfetched, it is not outside the range of possibility, or perhaps more appropriately: “the rage of possibility” that such an objection could be raised.
The start of a new school year is usually a “reset” for children and can be for parents as well to support and encourage them by attending as many of their activities as they can.