Family Lawyer
As the rigors of life set in, you may find yourself in search of a job that will offer you more opportunities for growth. You want to provide for your children the best way you can, and sometimes that means taking a job that will require you to relocate.
If you are divorced and exercising parenting time, moving away may seem like a last resort. Your legal custody rights should not change, but you will not be able to see them as much. How can you keep the bond between you and your children strong across the miles? Check out these three suggestions for parenting long-distance so you can ensure your relationship with your children doesn’t suffer.
- Use Technology When Away
The telephone has gone from hanging on a wall in a fixed space to a supercomputer. The advancements in technology help facilitate a more intimate relationship between people. Things like Facetime and Skype make it easy to see your kids when you talk. You can read to them over the phone and watch their facial expressions or have them give you a tour of their new bedroom. Set a schedule for phone calls, video calls and the like. This way, your kids will always know when you are going to call them, and they can be ready.
- Discipline When Appropriate
When you do see your kids again after being gone at work for a while, you may want to spend the time doing things that make them happy. There is a strong probability that your kids will push the boundaries of behavior at some point while you are together, and your response is essential for establishing healthy boundaries. If you do not discipline your children when needed, they will come to use that to their advantage. If they to get what they want from you because you do not see them as often, then there is a higher likelihood of poor behavior.
- Communicate Openly With the Other Parent
Whether you have a good relationship with your ex or not, you are going to have to try harder to communicate. Getting the other parent on board with your ideas for custody and scheduling with the kids is essential before you move. You may want to go back and modify or amend your parenting plan to include some key elements you agree on, so there is no mistaking the agreement later in the future. Be willing to communicate frequently and make the conversations productive.
Remaining a constant presence in your children’s life after divorce is vital to maintain a strong and healthy bond. A divorce lawyer may be able to help give you further ideas on how to handle custody from afar.
For more information call a family law attorney today.
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