Virtual visitation is a way for co-parents to maintain a strong relationship with their children through technology when a child is residing with their other parent. This arrangement is usually formalized in a child’s parenting plan.
However, if the arrangement isn’t workable, it will lead to tension instead of stronger bonds between each parent and their child.
Best practices for virtual visitation
Here are some tips for making virtual visitation work for everyone in the family:
- Set a schedule: Establish a regular schedule for virtual visitation so that both parents and children know when to expect to communicate. This will also help ensure that virtual visitation is a priority and not overlooked.
- Choose appropriate technology: Choose resources that are easy to use and accessible for everyone involved. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype or Caribu are great options for virtual visitation.
- Make it fun: Incorporate games or activities into virtual visitation to make it more engaging for children. For example, parents can read books together, play games or even watch a movie together.
- Be flexible: Be open to adjusting your virtual visitation schedule if necessary. Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected events can arise. Being reasonably flexible can help to ensure that virtual visitation continues to be a positive experience for everyone involved.
- Communicate regularly: Encourage regular communication between each parent and their child outside of virtual visitation. Phone calls, text messages or email can be initiated even when this kind of communication isn’t on the schedule. Regular communication can help maintain parent-child relationships and make virtual visitation more effective for everyone.
- Respect boundaries: Be respectful of each parent’s schedule and preferences. Virtual visitation should not interfere with the child’s regular routine or the custodial parent’s parenting time unless everyone has consented to a relatively free-flowing communication style. By respecting boundaries, virtual visitation can be a positive experience for everyone involved.
Virtual visitation can be an effective way for co-parents to maintain a strong relationship with their children when they are not under the same roof. If you have questions about how to make virtual visitation work for your family, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance at any time.
