Parents who don’t live close to their children often have to rely on alternatives to in-person visits. The virtual visits use technology, such as video chats, text messages or emails. By having this contact with each other, the parent and children can build and strengthen a relationship.
Making virtual visits work isn’t always easy. Using these tips may help you to make the best of the visits you get with your children as a long-distance co-parent.
1: Set clear guidelines
Virtual visits should have guidelines, just like in-person visits. The parent and child should be able to speak freely and without being censored by the other parent. The terms of the visits should be included in the parenting plan to reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
2: Keep the virtual visits consistent
Even though these visits are happening virtually, you should treat them with the same commitment and seriousness that you’d give to in-person visits. In some ways, these visits are easier than in-person ones because they can be changed and adjusted with very little effort if both parents work together.
3: Plan interactive activities
Virtual visits can be simple conversations, but you can also go a step beyond that by planning interactive activities. This can include reading a book, watching a movie, playing a board game, doing homework or any other activities your children will enjoy.
4: Parent as much as possible
You may not be with your child in person every night, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a parent. You can still have a primary parenting role through virtual visitation. This could mean backing up your ex about their decisions or discussing difficult issues with your children.
5: Have in-person time together
Virtual visits can bridge the gap between in-person visits, but they aren’t a permanent replacement for them. It’s critical that you still make the in-person visits a priority so you and your children have the ability to spend time together in the same place. Because it might be challenging for a child to miss school, it may be easier for you to take off work and plan short visits between the normal longer in-person visits.
Ultimately, you and your children will have to adjust the virtual visits so the children can thrive. This may happen naturally, but it may also be because of decisions you and your ex make to ensure everything is set based on the children’s best interests.
