In modern America, millions of families rely on video calls, messaging apps and shared online activities to stay connected. Oftentimes, children who reside in two households utilize this kind of communication to remain bonded with whichever parent is not present at any given time.
Crafting a workable virtual visitation schedule can help parents to make a formalized communication arrangement successful for everyone involved. Without a formal schedule in place, misunderstandings, differences in expectations and a host of other concerns could render this opportunity less effective than it might otherwise be.
Making a thoughtful plan
Generally speaking, the first step in creating a virtual visitation plan is identifying realistic and consistent time blocks. Just like with in-person parenting time, predictability can help children to feel more secure. If you co-parent with your ex, consider your child’s school hours, bedtime routine and extracurricular activities, in addition to your work schedule, your co-parent’s work schedule and other non-negotiable commitments when choosing times.
Virtual visits should enhance your child’s life, not interrupt their day or add stress. For younger children, short but frequent check-ins may be more effective, while older children might benefit from longer weekend calls or scheduled game nights.
With that said, virtual visitation plans should also include some room for flexibility. Life happens—school events, emergencies and technical difficulties are bound to occur. Including guidelines for rescheduling missed virtual visits shows a cooperative spirit and reinforces that the relationship is a priority, even if occasional disruptions occur.
Finally, it’s wise to include virtual visitation terms in your formal parenting plan. This gives the schedule legal weight and can help to resolve disputes if one parent becomes uncooperative. Virtual visitation, when approached with intention and flexibility, can bridge physical distance and support strong, meaningful parent-child bonds.