Among the disruptions that a divorce or separation can bring, there is the possibility that one parent may need to move far away. Whether it's for job-related reasons, financial necessity, or to pursue higher education or specialized training; maintaining a healthy bond with your child is crucial, even from a distance. A strong parent-child relationship is essential for your child's emotional and psychological well-being. It fosters emotional, social, and cognitive development, helping them build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.
While having a parent move away from their child is less than ideal, it is sometimes unavoidable. Fortunately, in today’s tech-enabled society, staying in touch is easier than ever thanks to various advanced communication tools and platforms. Here are four strategies for best navigating long-distance relationships with your children.
For the long-distance parent, regular communication is key. Make it a habit to call or video chat with your child often. Setting specific times to talk can help your child know when to expect your call, which adds to their sense of security. Simple texts like "Good morning" or "How was your day?" can make your child feel loved and thought of. Using social media can also be a fun way to stay connected if your child is old enough. Commenting on their posts and sharing things that remind you of them can help keep the bond strong.
For the parent at home, encouraging communication between your child and the other parent is crucial. Remind your child to answer calls and messages and help them set up times to talk.
As a long-distance parent, show interest in your child's daily life by asking about their school, friends, and hobbies. Knowing the names of their teachers and best friends can make your conversations more meaningful. If possible, offer to help with homework over video calls. This not only supports their education but also shows that you care about their success. Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, with a card or a small gift can make them feel proud and appreciated.
The parent at home can play a big role in helping the long-distance parent stay involved. Share your child’s schedule and activities so the other parent can keep track and ask about them. Encourage your child to share their achievements and schoolwork during calls with the other parent. This helps the long-distance parent feel more connected and engaged.
For the long-distance parent, planning visits is essential. Try to visit as often as you can and make these visits special by planning fun activities that your child enjoys. Sticking to a schedule for visits helps your child look forward to them and gives them something to count on. Use your time together to create lasting memories by taking photos, going on trips, or just spending quality time together at home.
The parent at home should support these visits by encouraging your child to spend time with their other parent. Helping them pack and getting excited about the visit can make the transition smoother. Speaking positively about the other parent also helps your child feel comfortable and happy about the visits, reinforcing the importance of their relationship.
Long-distance parents can get creative with communication to keep the bond strong. Playing online games together can be a fun and interactive way to bond. Watching movies or TV shows simultaneously using streaming services and discussing them can also be enjoyable. If you have a shared hobby, find ways to do it together online, such as cooking the same recipe and comparing your results over video chat.
The parent at home can encourage this creativity by helping your child find games or hobbies they can enjoy with the other parent online. Make sure your child has the necessary tools, like a good internet connection and access to video chat apps, to stay connected.
Living far apart doesn't mean you can't have a strong bond with your child. Regular communication, staying involved in their daily life, frequent visits, and finding creative ways of spending time together virtually can help maintain and strengthen your relationship. Both parents need to work together to support and encourage this bond, ensuring that the child feels loved and connected to both parents, no matter the distance.
At Shulman & Partners we understand the complexities and challenges that come with co-parenting. If you need guidance or support in navigating these challenges, our experienced team is here to help you create the best possible environment for you and your children.