When going through a divorce, it is important to keep custody arrangements in mind. Though shared custody and joint parenting often benefit the child most, this is not always possible.
What can parents who have to parent from a distance do to ensure that they maintain a healthy relationship with their child?
Rely on technology
Empowering Parents discusses long-distance parenting in divorce. Long-distance parenting happens if one parent cannot stay within physical visiting range of their child. This may happen for various reasons, including a parent serving in the military or having to travel abroad for work.
In these situations, a parent’s biggest and best tool will come in the form of technology. It is easier than ever to keep in touch with distant family members thanks to the internet and phones.
Be a consistent communicator
When communicating through these means, it is important to set some guidelines and stick to them. For one, always try to call at around the same time and on roughly the same days, with allowance for alternations due to unexpected events. This gives the child a sense of stability and paints a parent in a reliable light.
Have good conversations
Next, the content of the conversation is also important. Ask questions. Get involved. Remember things mentioned in previous conversations and bring them up again. Follow up on events happening in the child’s life. This shows genuine interest and helps forge a stronger connection.
It is never easy to build bonds at a distance. However, especially with technology, it is more possible than ever before now.
