Technology can provide innovative solutions to a variety of challenges, including how divorced or separated parents need to work to successfully manage their co-parenting responsibilities. For example, virtual visitation—using video calls, instant messaging, story time apps and other forms of digital communication—can serve as a powerful tool in maintaining the bond between a parent and their child, when that child is spending parenting time with their other parent.
Depending on how co-parents opt to set expectations related to scheduling virtual visitation time, this form of communication can provide a flexible way for each parent to stay connected with their child. And, as a result, regular (yet reasonably flexible) virtual interactions allow parents to stay informed and involved in the daily lives and developmental milestones of their children, from witnessing their academic achievements to attending virtual birthday celebrations, in the event that they can’t be physically present.
Lowering stress for everyone
One of the hardest things about the reality of co-parenting is that one parent or the other is (almost) always missing out on something. Integrating thoughtful virtual visitation terms into a family’s parenting plan can help each parent to stay more connected, and can help their child to benefit from each parent’s consistent presence (even if that presence isn’t always physical).
And, in instances of parental relationships that are unhealthier or more strained than they reasonably should be, it’s important to note that many digital communication tools often with the ability to save logs or records of conversations. These records can be useful not only for cherishing memories but also for practical purposes in legal contexts or disputes (when they don’t).
For many families, virtual visitation offers a practical and effective solution to some of the challenges faced when exes have transitioned into co-parenting roles. By incorporating technology into their broader co-parenting arrangements, parents can enhance their connection with their children, making the co-parenting journey smoother and more adaptable to their family’s lifestyle.
