Is Online Child Visitation Quality Time?

With both parents usually working these days, promotions and relocation for work can make virtual visitation a viable part of any parenting plan. Many divorcees and lawyers are vehemently against online visitation because it may limit in-person visits and encourage moves that are unhealthy for the child. However, virtual visitation allows a noncustodial parent to stay connected with their children.

Online visitation can never replace personal visits completely. A computer screen cannot replace a big hug. New hairdos, awards, acting, singing, gaming, homework, artwork, and dancing can all be shared with a webcam and a computer. Parents and kids can be in touch anytime there is an internet connection available. Webcams put viewers in the same room as the person on camera.

Costs for transportation can be forbidding when parents live in different cities. The most compelling preparation for an argument in court that favors virtual visitation is to submit a visitation schedule to the judge that includes virtual visitation as well as personal visits. It would also be a good idea to include a financial breakdown of which parent will pay for transportation for personal visits on your schedule.

Utah and Wisconsin have already enacted family act law that allows for virtual visits. These legal online visits are not to be substituted for personal visits in these states. Other states are following suit rapidly as the landscape of law for child custody evolves alongside the popularity of the internet.

For a parenting plan with virtual visitation to work, both parents must be computer literate. If you are in doubt about how virtual visitation will affect your child at different development stages, consult a therapist. Most adolescents these days are already getting acquainted with the computer at school. Computers will be required equipment for any household in a developed country.

Kids love computers and must have all the latest techie gadgets to be a part of their generation. They love online games. Sometimes dads and kids need an activity to keep their connection going. Online games, social networking websites, school websites, and other authorized sites allow parents to share quality time with their kids doing something their kids love to do.

Wonderful websites that parents can use to share with their kids are Facebook.com, Foldershare.com, YouTube.com, Pogo.com, Gamesville.com, and Kodakgallery.com. I had a kid recommend a Facebook application not long ago. I am going to show her respect and try the app. Then, I will connect online with the most fantastic kid I know.

Be a computer savvy parent and include virtual visitation as a part of your child visitation schedule. Webcams can be purchased for under $50 brand new and computers are getting cheaper everyday. Kids love to play games. Online gaming with good ole dad can be a real boost for kids because children need to stay connected to both parents.


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Lil Lyon is passionate about kids having the best chance at life. She started:

http://www.forchildcustody.com

to help parents deal with the tragedy of divorce. Casualties in divorce include kids and Lil helps parents of win the best child custody plan for the sake of their kids.