What should a school counselor do to balance the responsibilities of divorced or separated parents towards their child?

Maintaining focus on the child’s interests and needs is crucial for a school counselor working with families affected by divorce or separation. This approach emphasizes the well-being of the child as the primary concern, allowing the counselor to facilitate a supportive environment where the child can thrive academically and emotionally.

By centering discussions and interventions on what is best for the child, the counselor can help mitigate any potential conflicts between the parents, guide them on co-parenting strategies, and advocate for the child's emotional and educational needs. This ethical stance aligns with the ASCA standards, which prioritize the welfare of students above all else, ensuring that the counselor acts as a neutral party focused on fostering the child’s development and stability during a potentially tumultuous time.

Other approaches, such as encouraging competition or supporting one parent over the other, can exacerbate tensions and disrupt the child’s sense of security. On the other hand, restricting parental involvement would undermine the collaboration that is often necessary for the child's success and well-being. Thus, focusing on the child’s interests and needs stands out as the most effective and ethically sound choice for school counselors in these situations.