While getting a divorce and splitting custody of the children can be difficult for Florida parents, this can be even harder if they live a long distance from one another. The quantity of their time with their children may be less, but parents can focus on making sure the time they do have is high-quality. There are also small things they can do to maintain the bond.
For example, long-distance parents can send children weekly postcards with personal messages on them. They can also use platforms like Instagram, text and email to communicate with their children, and they can phone outside of the planned hours. These are all gestures that let children know that their parents are thinking about them all the time. Asking specific questions that refer back to their activities, such as whether they enjoyed a sleepover or how they did on a test, lets children know their parents are paying attention.
Parents should also talk to their children about how they prefer to spend time together and should make an effort to understand their children’s interests. They should try to meet their children’s friends. They should also try to have plenty of alone time with their children and wait to introduce a new significant other to the child when they are sure the relationship is serious.
Determining a schedule for custody and visitation can be challenging. Emotionally, it forces parents to face up to the reality that they will have less time with their children. Focusing on the best interests of the child may help and could help parents negotiate an agreement with the assistance of their attorneys instead of having to go to litigation. As part of the parenting agreement, they can also include guidelines on any issues that concern them, such as when the child will meet new partners.
