How to Effectively Co-Parent on Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days

One common challenge when raising kids between two households is handling Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days—those unplanned days when schools close due to weather events like snow, flooding, or unforeseen circumstances like a waterline break, and students are expected to learn from home.

When NTI days happen, they can quickly unravel even the most well-organized co-parenting schedules. But with some planning, communication, and flexibility, NTI days don’t have to be a source of stress or conflict. Here are practical strategies to help you manage NTI days while keeping your child’s well-being at the forefront.

1. Review Your Parenting Plan and Custody Agreement

Before addressing NTI day logistics, it's critical to review your current custody order or parenting agreement. Some parenting plans in Kentucky address school closures and unexpected days at home. Look specifically for language like:

• Who is responsible for care when school is out unexpectedly?

• How are snow days or emergency closures handled?

• Does the parent who would have had the child after school that day keep them for the entire day?

If your agreement is silent on NTI days, that’s your signal that proactive communication is key.

2. Communicate Early and Often

When an NTI day is announced, ideally both parents should communicate as soon as possible. Use whatever method works best for you—whether that's text, email, a shared calendar app, or even a quick phone call. The goal is to get on the same page fast.

Consider discussing:

• Where the child will physically stay during the NTI day.

• Who is responsible for helping with NTI assignments.

• Pickup and drop-off adjustments.

• Work schedules and availability.

Sample Text:

“Hi! Just saw that school is NTI tomorrow because of the water main issue. I can adjust my work schedule to stay home with [Child], but if you’re available, we can figure out what works best. Let me know what you’re thinking.”

This helps set a collaborative tone rather than assuming one parent is solely responsible.

3. Prioritize the Child’s Routine and Educational Needs

NTI days are not just a day off; they’re school days happening at home. Co-parents should work together to ensure that the child:

• Logs into necessary online classrooms.

• Completes assigned work.

• Has a quiet and productive environment to study.

• Receives any needed support with challenging subjects.

If one parent is better equipped to assist with schoolwork or has a more flexible workday, it might make sense for the child to stay at that parent’s home on NTI days—even if it’s not “their day” under your usual parenting time schedule. Being child-focused helps avoid conflict.

4. Share Resources and Responsibilities

Many Kentucky parents are balancing full-time work with unexpected NTI days. If both parents are working or otherwise unavailable during the school day, consider options like:

• A trusted family member or babysitter who can supervise NTI work.

• Dividing the day (one parent handles morning, the other afternoon).

• Alternating responsibility if NTI days pile up over a winter season.

Also, share any login details, assignment lists, or special instructions the child’s teacher sends out. Even small courtesies like forwarding emails from school help maintain smooth transitions.

5. Keep the Long Game in Mind: Flexibility and Fairness

Co-parenting success hinges on being adaptable. If one parent covers several NTI days in a row due to their flexible work schedule, it may be appropriate to offer make-up time, an extra weekend, or some other accommodation to keep things equitable.

This is particularly important if NTI days fall disproportionately on one parent's scheduled time. Kentucky courts appreciate when parents work together to find solutions that prioritize the child over rigid schedules.

6. Plan Ahead for NTI Season

In Kentucky, snow days and other disruptions are common in the winter months. Consider having an annual conversation at the start of the school year to address:

• How you’ll handle NTI days.

• Work schedules and availability.

• Technology needs (does both homes have the necessary internet and devices?).

• Emergency backup plans.

If you find that NTI days are a frequent source of conflict, it may be worthwhile to modify your parenting agreement to include clearer guidelines. This can often be done through mediation without needing to return to court.

7. Remember the Emotional Impact on Your Child

Finally, keep in mind that NTI days can be stressful for kids, too. Disrupted routines, confusing hand-offs, and pressure to complete schoolwork in less-than-ideal settings can take a toll. As co-parents, presenting a united, calm, and cooperative front helps your child feel secure.

Offer reassurance, keep transitions smooth, and support them in getting their work done without turning NTI days into a battleground between parents.

Conclusion

NTI days are an inevitable part of school life in Kentucky. How you handle them as co-parents can set the tone for how your child experiences these disruptions. With clear communication, a spirit of cooperation, and thoughtful planning, NTI days can be just another challenge you successfully navigate together.

If you're struggling with NTI day arrangements or need help modifying your parenting plan to account for them, my office is here to help. Reach out to schedule a consultation so we can create a plan that works for your family—not just on the good days, but on the unpredictable ones, too. If you are interested in doing so, you may contact my office at (859) 287-4078 or info@jdcooklaw.com (or fill out an inquiry form on our website homepage) for a consultation.