The end of a relationship or marriage is always complicated and brings more changes than simply the cessation of the underlying romantic association. 
The separation will mean acquiring and setting up a new household for each party, rearranging finances, and generally restructuring each party’s life. When there are children involved, this will obviously involve the children, as well. Parents will need to take steps to restructure their approach to parenting, as well. Following the separation, parents will need to learn to co-parent even though they no longer live together. Technology can sometimes assist in smoothing the way for co-parenting.
One way technology can assist with co-parenting is by using Skype, FaceTime or other similar method for the children to see and talk to the other parent when he or she is not enjoying parenting time. In most cases, the other parent will have the ability to make phone calls to the children during the times they do not enjoy parenting time. However, in many cases the children will enjoy the ability to physically see the other parent. Especially for children who are too young to speak on the phone, this would allow them to connect with the other parent even when they are not physically together.
Another way technology can help parents maintain contact with the children even when they are not enjoying parenting time is through e-mail. Even very young children who are just learning to spell and write can enjoy writing an e-mail to the other parent when they do not have visitation. For older children, they can use e-mail as a way to discuss their day and personal issues without having to worry about coordinating schedules for a phone call.
Finally, for older children, it may be a good idea to allow them to have a cell phone to have access to the other parent. This can allow the child to text message, pass Facebook messages, or send e-mails to the other parent at his or her convenience. However, as with any technology, parents need to make sure to monitor the child’s use of the technology. Moreover, with unfettered access, there is always a chance that the other parent could abuse this privilege. Both parents need to make sure to not use the access in such a way as to disturb the child or the child’s parenting time with the other parent.
Call us today at (320) 299-4249 and talk to us about your child and your goals. We can speak with you about what we can do to help you co-parent following your divorce or separation.
