Co-parenting virtual visitation refers to the use of technology to facilitate communication and interaction between a child and whichever parent is residing elsewhere at any given moment. This type of digital parenting time is particularly useful when in-person contact is limited due to geographical distance, health concerns or other logistical challenges. It can also be very helpful when a child could particularly benefit from particularly frequent contact with both parents.
Virtual visitation arrangements utilize tools such as video calls, messaging apps, social media and other digital platforms – in addition to postal mail and “traditional” phone calls – to maintain a consistent and meaningful connection between each parent and their child.
Should you consider virtual visitation for your family?
If you co-parent a minor child, know that virtual visitation has become an increasingly popular and accepted feature of modern co-parenting arrangements, so it’s worth considering for your family. It supplements traditional in-person parenting time, ensuring that parents who are unable to be physically present can still play an active role in their children’s lives.
Virtual visitation often involves scheduled video calls, where a parent and child can see and talk to each other in real time. But, it can also encompass other forms of digital interaction, such as playing online games together, watching movies synchronously or sharing photos and updates through social media or messaging apps. These interactions help to maintain a bond and empower parents to participate in everyday activities, such as homework help or bedtime stories.
The primary benefit of virtual visitation is that it allows for frequent and regular contact between parent and child, which is crucial for maintaining strong relationships. It offers flexibility, making it easier to work around busy schedules and helps to minimize the impacts of distance. For children, it provides a sense of continuity and emotional support, knowing they can easily reach out to their parents who aren’t physically with them.
For these reasons and more, including virtual visitation in co-parenting plans can help to ensure that the bonds between parents and children remain strong, regardless of the physical distance between them.
