For most families, navigating life after a divorce or separation is challenging enough. However, when you add the current global health crisis into the mix, unfortunately, there’s no road map to guide you through these uncertain times. If you live in a different state or a considerable distance away from your children, you may be wondering if it’s even safe to visit with your children or how to find ways to spend time together.
Even before COVID-19, long-distance relationships always had unique hurdles. But, the silver-lining of these unprecedented times is that there are more ways than ever to connect with your kids and participate in their day-to-day lives. If you’ll be parenting your children from afar for the foreseeable future, here are a few parenting tips to make your job easier:
Schedule virtual visits
Today there are countless ways to connect with your kids digitally. Since social distancing became the new normal, many people are taking advantage of video chat platforms like Zoom and FaceTime to spend time with their loved ones without risking their health. You can also use social media, texting or email to stay in frequent communication with your children and see what’s going on in their lives.
Plan fun digital activities
Long-distance parenting doesn’t have to be limited to only phone or video conversations. There’s no shortage of activities you and your kids can do together online. Today, you can stream movies or tv shows together, play virtual board games or team-up on their favorite role-playing video game. The internet offers excellent ways to add some new excitement to your virtual visits.
Maintain a consistent schedule
Consistency is vital for children after a divorce. In times when nothing in the world feels normal, having a visitation schedule, your child can rely on can make all the difference in their emotional well-being. By always showing up and expressing interest in your kid’s life, you can reassure them in these trying times.
If you’re struggling to make long-distance parenting work amid the pandemic, you’re not alone. By following these tips, you can love and support your children even from a distance.
