Keeping it real, divorce is hard on families, and it’s often hardest of all on the children. It can even be more challenging for a parent to retain strong bonds with their kids when that parent lives in another city or state.
Those situations can arise from many circumstances. New jobs, remarriages or other reasons can put distance between a child and their much-loved parent. Then, they must find ways to remain connected with one another.
Welcome to virtual visitations
When parent and child are apart, virtual visitation can become the next best thing to being there. It’s the responsibility of the parent to find ways to sustain and enhance their relationship with their child in lieu of being a frequent physical presence in the child’s life.
Below are some activities they can share with their kids across the miles:
- Facetiming over the phone or computer. Thanks to technology, parents and children can be virtually in touch every day. By setting a specific time to “meet” online via Zoom or Skype or Facetiming on the phone, the child can give daily updates about their life.
- Emailing and texting. Set an alarm on your phone to call your son or daughter each morning to wish them a good day at school or daycare. Alternatively, you and their other parent can coordinate bedtime routines so you can read them a story at night or say prayers together if you choose.
- Engage on social media. Older kids might respond better to periodic check-ins via one of their social media sites. Instagram and TikTok are popular with tweens and teens. This also allows their distant parent to keep a watchful eye on their child’s social media accounts to help ensure they remain safe.
- Sending cards and letters in the mail. Snail mail may be a leftover from the 20th century, but there is no doubt that kids can get excited when they receive mail from Mom or Dad. On occasion, mail them a care package with a few of their favorite things — comic books, Fortnite gift cards, colorful fidget spinners, sparkly nail polish and hair bows.
By working together with your co-parent, you can make sure that your child realizes that you continue to love and connect with them.
