Tennessee parents may know that parenting can be a challenge, even for couples who are still together. For separated or divorced couples, raising a child between two homes can create unique and challenging problems that must be overcome. For many families, technology is the answer for parenting across distances.
Frequently, former spouses may not want to see each other ever again. But when a child is involved, divorced couples are still bound by the responsibilities of being a parent. Both parents need to communicate with each other regarding custody and visitation schedules and parenting plans. Whether parents like it or not, they are required to meet one another whenever the child has to spend time with the other parent. Parents with joint custody are also aware that arguments and fights in front of the child are not going to help the situation.
Many parents who have an unfriendly relationship with their former spouse use technology in parenting. Doing this helps parents in raising their children effectively without the need to personally speak with their ex-spouses. Through technology, parents can agree on which parent is in charge and arrange to do pickups or drop-offs, events or holidays.
Accordingly, email and text messages can save a child from post-divorce issues and the emotional after-effect of parent’s arguments. Online calendars are like a mutual calendar that details future events and designates which parent will attend which events. Parents may also purchase a cell phone for their kids so that they can communicate with the other parent any time they want. In some divorce cases, the court orders parents to use Our Family Wizard, an online tool through which emails from both parents are tracked. This software can send notices and reminders to both parents about their obligations, guaranteeing that both parents cooperate.
Technology benefits parents in child custody and visitation plans. Both parents’ participation and cooperation is required to achieve positive results in parenting. It may be true that conflict cannot be avoided, but the best interests of the child should always be the parents’ primary concern.
Source: The New York Times, “Kramer.com vs. Kramer.com, Pamela Paul, Nov. 23, 2012
