Adding virtual visitation terms to a parenting plan can be beneficial, especially in situations where physical distance or other circumstances affect one or both parents’ regular physical access to their children.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept of virtual visitation, it is an idea worth researching in detail. Essentially, it allows whichever co-parent is currently not residing with their child to communicate with them via email, video chat or other means that don’t involve face-to-face interaction.
Why virtual visitation is worth considering
Parenting in the Digital Age isn’t always easy, so it’s important to take advantage of those technological opportunities that can make parenting – and co-parenting, in particular – easier to navigate:
- Overcoming distance barriers: Virtual visitation allows co-parents to maintain regular contact with their children when physical distance separates them. Through video calls, messaging or other virtual platforms, parents can engage in real-time interactions and maintain a sense of presence in their children’s lives, even when they are physically apart.
- Promoting consistency and stability: Virtual visitation provides an opportunity for both parents to establish and maintain consistent communication with their children, which can promote a sense of stability and belonging for their child.
- Facilitating special occasions and events: Virtual visitation can enable both parents to be present – in one way or another – during special occasions, holidays or significant events in their children’s lives when physical attendance is not possible.
It is important to note that the inclusion of virtual visitation terms in a parenting plan should be mutually agreed upon by both parents, when possible. Any arrangement should consider the best interests of the children involved. The specifics of virtual visitation, such as frequency, duration and the technology used, can be outlined in a parenting plan to better ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
