Regular contact with your child is essential to building and maintaining a strong relationship as they grow and mature. Unfortunately, a divorced parent may not always be able to be in the room with them, particularly if you move out of town or your career takes you away from the area where they live.
For parents in these situations who share custody with their child’s other parent, virtual parenting time (sometimes called virtual visitation) may offer an opportunity to maintain contact during this interruption to the schedule.
What is virtual parenting time?
Virtual parenting time is a practice that uses various forms of technology to support a parent’s relationship with their child, which can depend on the child’s age and needs. Families have options like Zoom or another video platform, Facetime, phone calls, text messages, emails, or instant messaging software. They can even play video games together online.
How can you incorporate virtual parenting time into your plan?
If you want to incorporate a plan for virtual parenting time into your agreement, you should take the time to consider a variety of questions.
- When is a good time to contact your child?
- What forms of communication will you use?
- What happens if you lose your internet connection or the video freezes?
Answering these questions can help you prepare for technical difficulties when they arise.
Effective virtual parenting time should enable parents and children to connect when they would typically engage in in-person parenting time, such as when getting ready for bed, on weekends or after significant events in their lives like soccer games or a dance performance.
Working out the details
While you may not be able to see your child in person as often as you would like, a parenting plan with virtual visitation can provide you with the opportunity to stay connected no matter how many miles separate you. Those with questions can discuss options with their divorce attorney.
