Some people who go through a divorce opt to move out of the area they lived in while they were married. This typically doesn’t cause any issues, but it can make things more challenging for people who have children.
Long-distance parenting will require work on the part of both parents so the children have what they need to adjust to the new way of life. One of the most important things for everyone involved to remember is that the children need to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.
Bridge the time between in-person visits
The parent who doesn’t live near the child will have to find ways to connect with them in between in-person visits. Technology makes this a bit easier, thanks to texting and video chat apps that allow the parent and child to spend time together from wherever they are at that time.
Work with the other parent
Setting up a time for the virtual visits is one of the cornerstones of making this type of situation work. The parent who lives with the child should ensure they’re making it possible for these visits to happen. The parent who’s away should consider the child’s schedule when planning virtual visits. This is especially true if there’s a time difference.
Plan enjoyable visits
The virtual options for visits won’t ever replace in-person visits. When the child visits the parent they don’t live with, the visits should be a time to bond. This doesn’t necessarily mean doing a lot of activities. Even nights at home watching movies or playing games are bonding experiences.
The parenting plan is critically important when distance is a factor in the parent-child relationship. It should cover guidelines for virtual visits, the schedule for in-person visits and anything the parents may need to know as they raise the children.