Family courts often encourage parents to create a parenting time schedule. When both parents live in Minnesota, this could mean that children regularly spend time in both homes. Many children spend weekdays with one parent and weekends with the other. In cases where the children live in a different state than one of their parents, noncustodial parents may need to be more creative to ensure that children benefit from constant communication.
The noncustodial parents may keep in touch with their children after divorce through phone calls, video calls and social media. Because noncustodial parents don’t see their children every day, social media could give them insight into their children’s lives.
A parent could show they care by sending random postcards. This form of communication is especially effective when the parent travels a lot. An inspiring message or one related to an upcoming event lets kids know that their parents are paying attention and still care about them even if they don’t see them very often.
When noncustodial parents get the chance to spend time with their children, it’s important to focus on them. If the parent is dating, they should wait to introduce anyone to their children until they are sure the relationship is serious. After they meet, parents should be sure to devote time to their children without the other person present.
Regardless of which parent plans to move away from their children following divorce, it’s important to have a clear parenting plan that addresses the relocation and outlines how the noncustodial parent plans to interact with the children. An attorney may help a parent write the plan and negotiate with the other parent to ensure that the parenting plan is realistic and feasible.