Long-distance co-parenting: How to succeed
Co-parenting schedules are intended to help divorced or separated parents maintain a close and healthy relationship with their children, but things can get complicated when you live in a different city and even different state. Sometimes the alternating weekends that other non-custodial parents enjoy can be impossible. When this happens, there are ways that you can use technology and other resources to keep the parent-child bond strong.
Use technology to connect
Texting, instant messaging, and Skype chats are all ways to communicate with your kids in real-time even if hundreds or thousands of miles separate you. Video conferencing software and applications are an excellent ways of enjoying face-to-face interactions, which are especially important if you have very young children whom you don’t see regularly. Popular mediums include FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype video, and Viber, all of which are more personal than a brief call.
Send care packages
Kids love to receive presents in the mail. A small care package, complete with their favorite treats and small age-appropriate gifts, will make their day and remind them that you are thinking about them, even though you may not physically see them on a daily basis.
Set up a regular visitation schedule
When distance makes regular weekend visits problematic, work with your former spouse to come up with a visitation schedule that enables as much contact as possible without disrupting the lives of the children. If you live in a different city, then monthly visitation, supplemented by regular calls, emails, and video chats, may be more realistic. If you live in an entirely different state, it may be more feasible and less disruptive to come up with a periodic schedule that makes the most out of your time together, especially if the children are younger.
Remain flexible
The willingness to be flexible is another important part of co-parenting across a substantial distance. Even if you and your former spouse did not have the most amicable divorce, you need to be willing to work with him or her to ensure that your relationship with your children is as solid and stress-free as possible. If, for example, having the children with you on a certain holiday is especially important to you, be prepared to concede when he or she has a similar request.
While co-parenting across a long distance has its challenges, but it is not impossible. If you are facing imminent separation and/or divorce and distance appears to be a factor in a future parenting plan, then a New York family attorney can advise you on your legal options. Your children’s well-being is a primary concern, and a well thought-out parenting schedule can ensure that they remain central to your life, and vice-versa.
To contact an experienced divorce and family law attorney for a free consultation, call 718-402-5204. The attorneys of Eskin & Eskin, P.C. have more than 44 years of combined experience and offer top notch legal services from their Bronx, New York office, located steps from the Bronx County courthouses. Visit www.EskinandEskinLaw.com to learn more.
