Parents don’t always remain in the same area after divorce. When they don’t live close to each other, it can be difficult to handle parenting time situations. This isn’t usually a problem if they’re within a reasonable driving distance from each other, but that’s not always the case.
Advances in technology are making it easier for parents and children to remain in contact, even if they don’t live close to each other. Tools, such as video chats and text messages, make it easy to communicate from a distance. Parents can talk to their children, play games with them, read bedtime stories or do a variety of other activities during these visits.
Including virtual visits in a parenting plan
It’s often beneficial to include terms for virtual visits in parenting plans. This gives both parents and the children clear expectations and guidelines about how the situation will be handled.
The details included in the parenting plan will vary greatly, depending on the circumstances. Some of these may include the method of virtual visitation and the times when these visits should occur. Both parents should remember that these visits should allow the child and parent to have quality time with each other. In most cases, that may mean that these visits aren’t monitored by the other parent.
In-person visits are still important
Virtual visits should be seen as a bridge between in-person visits. It’s still important for the children and distant parents to have time together in person. Having those scheduled gives the children something to look forward to and can help to build their relationship with that parent even more.
The parenting plan is a comprehensive document of guidelines for raising the children, but it must be based on the children’s needs. Working with someone who’s familiar with situations like yours may be beneficial.
