Finding A New Path Forward

Can you co-parent from a significant distance?

On Behalf of | May 23, 2022 | Family Law |

Across the board, many sources and studies tout co-parenting as one of the best ways to raise children of divorce.

Unfortunately, though, not all co-parents will have the opportunity to stay within close proximity of one another for the duration of their kid’s childhood. Is it possible to continue co-parenting well even when one parent has to move a significant distance away? Fortunately, yes.

Quality over quantity

Onward looks into long-distance parenting techniques that anyone can use to help support their children. First, it is important to change one’s mindset to quality over quantity. Needless to say, most parents want to spend as much time with their children as possible. This is a very difficult matter when one parent lives nowhere near them.

Instead, make sure every moment counts. Maximize the quality of time rather than focusing on how much or how little time one parent spends with the kids over the other.

Let the kids guide communication

It also helps to determine how the child in this equation wants the communication to happen. For example, some kids prefer a lot of contact with their distant parents. Others might need more space, lest they start to feel overwhelmed and smothered.

Likewise, not every child prefers the same method of contact. Some like texting while others prefer chatting over the phone. Try to use video chats and other video technology as well, which can give an even more personal feeling to a meeting even with hundreds or thousands of miles of distance between the parties involved.