When a family from different countries ends up separating, it can cause something of a logistical nightmare for all parties involved. How do you successfully co-parent when one parent has moved to another state or even another country?
Fortunately, there are ways to work through these difficulties. Anyone can make co-parenting work if they really want, even if they have to cross great distances to do so.
Utilize technology
Parents look at navigating the somewhat tricky field of co-parenting over long distances. The biggest tool at anyone’s disposal in this situation? Technology. Needless to say, any active and involved parent will find it crushing to let go of the ease of access that living within driving distance of their children provides. However, not seeing them every day does not mean a person cannot contact them every day.
Try to keep in touch via video chat, voice calls or even text messages. On top of that, it is important for a parent to ensure their child that they can reach out at any time for any reason and that they will always get a welcoming response.
Tailor your methods of contact
The content of this communication is also important. Do not simply call for the sake of calling, forcing children into chats they may not feel like having at the time. Try to see if a child shows more preference for one type of communication over another, and attempt to meet them in their comfort zone by choosing that option.
By keeping this open avenue of communication and showing a willingness to reach out on a child’s turf and terms, it can go a long way and help maintain communication across distances.