Parents want to be close to their children, to participate in their daily routine and upbringing.
What happens if after a divorce, one parent needs to move to a different geographic area due to a job opportunity, new relationship or other obligation? This can be a challenging situation for all parties involved. There are, however, several strategies that can be used to ensure the parent-child relationship remains intact and stays healthy.
Communication is of the utmost importance and requires increased attention when one parent lives far away. When a family is under one roof, communication usually flows naturally. It’s easy for parents to stay in tune with their children, or discuss upcoming events. After a divorce, things are different and routine communication often ends.
Oftentimes, long-distance parents have a regular time for calling their children. Although this could work well for some families, it can also feel like a force conversation for others. What do you discuss with younger children? You could always try reading your child’s favorite story over the phone.
Why not make your calls more informal, vary the times you call, and show your child that you are always thinking of him or her.
The following are some long-distance parenting ideas that may help you and your child keep that extra special bond you’ve always had:
- Frequently initiate contact with your child
- Send notes, postcards and care packages through the mail with words of love
- Share in your child’s passions, such as sports or specific television shows
- Keep track of the names of your child’s teachers, coaches, friends or anyone else involved in his or her daily life
- Utilize online communication, such as Skype or video chats, when possible
No technology can substitute for in-person contact, but these ideas can certainly help in maintaining communication between a long-distance parent and his or her child.
It is up to both parents to make sure that their child stays connected with the long-distance parent. Co-parents should work as a team to ensure necessary information is shared from teachers, coaches or doctors.
If you are the parent residing with the child, make sure he or she is available for calls and video chats – give your child privacy at this time. Support and encourage your child’s interactions and activities with the other parent.
Your child is the most important thing in your life and should always be your number one priority. Making sure he or she maintains a strong relationship with both parents is of the utmost importance.
Divorce and moving away from your child does not have to mean the end of a healthy parent-child relationship. Good communication, creative parenting ideas and cooperation between both parents can lead to a strong bond between a long-distance parent and child. The family law offices of Amy M Montes offer guidance and help parents develop a parenting plan, it helps parents set up visitation scheduling, coordinating pick ups after school, shopping, and much more, all in the hope it can help you and your children transition to your new lifestyle after divorce.
If you have any questions or need help in creating a proper parenting plan for a long-distance parent, please contact the Orange County family law offices of Amy M. Montes for the help you need and deserve.
