Courts will typically establish a parenting schedule detailing when the children will be with what parent. However, with advancements in technology, a more detailed “virtual parenting” schedule may be desirable as well to supplement in-person parenting. There are many benefits to “virtual parenting”.

• It’s low cost.  Lots of parents tell us it costs $100 or more every time they see their kids. Who can afford that?  You might need to get a little creative to keep your virtual visits fun and interesting, but it’s worth it.

• It’s flexible.  It seems like our children’s schedules are constantly changing. Then, there are the parents’ work commitments that sometimes get in the way.  Build a minimum number of virtual visits into your parenting plan, but also have a plan for how you will schedule them based on your family’s needs.

• It’s a great Plan B.  Nobody wants to miss an opportunity to be with their kids. But sometimes life intervenes. We have to travel for work, our kids are sick, etc.  Including a virtual visit as a back up in your parenting plan means you don’t have to miss the time together (or try to re-schedule it).

• It’s low stress.  Let’s face it.  Lots of us have long commutes to work, and between co-parents. Those mid-week parenting times come at a cost- missed work time, hours in traffic, rushed restaurant meals. You know what we mean. 

• You can schedule time with your children individually.  Lots of parents don’t like the idea of taking only one of their children for in person parenting time. But that can lead to challenges when your kids have different needs, ages and interests.  Having separate virtual visits allows you to spend dedicated time with each of your children, without feeling like you are leaving anyone.

• For all the reasons above, it’s pretty easy to do it A LOT. We all want to see our kids as often as we can.  Incorporating virtual visits as a backup, adding extra visits to an existing parenting plan, or substituting some in person parenting time for virtual, can help you maintain a stronger connection with your kids when you aren’t with them.

If you have any questions regarding your parenting plan or virtual parenting, please contact the experienced family law attorneys at Wilchins Cosentino & Novins LLP at 781-235-5500 or contact us here.