If you and your child’s other parent have decided to go your separate ways, this turn of events is going to affect your child in ways that will be immediately obvious and in ways that may remain hidden for a potentially long time. Emotional reactions to divorce don’t always manifest right away. This is one of the many reasons why it’s so important for a child’s parents to do what they can to provide their child with stable, readily-available affection, guidance and support.
It isn’t always easy to deliver on these needs when your child is residing with their other parent. Thankfully, if you and your co-parent add thoughtful virtual visitation expectations to your parenting plan, both you and your co-parent can provide your child with more of what they need.
Making virtual visitation work for your family
It’s important to be thoughtful about the ways in which you construct expectations concerning virtual visitation. Otherwise, arrangements that should serve both your child’s best interests and the interests of their relationship with both parents can start to cause tension and frustration.
Take some time to think about your child’s age, schedule, communication style and the kinds of communication (video chats, postal mail, etc.) that may best serve the purpose of the arrangement. Also, take some time to think about any special considerations that you or your co-parent may need to take into account, such as a third-shift work schedule or a need to go to bed early due to early morning commitments when you’re scheduling your virtual visitation time.
If thoughtfully constructed, a virtual visitation arrangement could significantly benefit you, your child and your co-parent alike. Should you have any questions about how to formalize such arrangements within the context of a parenting plan, remember that seeking legal guidance is always an option.