After a divorce, parents and stepparents should want to encourage their children to have as much time with both biological parents to help keep their relationship strong. There are many ways that this can be done. Planning activities to stay connected with your children will make your life easier because they will have the time they need with each parent.
Skype Or Facebook
Allow your children to set up a Skype or Facebook account to stay connected with the parent they do not reside with. Set clear rules as to what each can be used for, such as only talking to the parent they do not live with. This way, they will always have a way to connect when they miss their parent. They can also see the parent on Skype if a video chat is done. On Facebook, the parent can share photos of them and their daily lives and the children can do the same thing. The parent should also ask how school is going, how their day was, etc.
Send Postcards And Other Mail
A great way to keep in touch with your kids is to send postcards and other mail to them. Just a simple note stating you love them or miss them is a nice touch. Or you could also share a funny joke with them, or even send photos of you with notes on the back.
Photo Pillowcases
Have some photo pillowcases made with a photo of yourself on it. Present it to your children and tell them that you will always be there with them. This can even serve as a source of added comfort for kids.
Do What They Want To Do
When your children are visiting you, ask them what they want to do. Do they want to order pizza and watch a movie, or would they rather go ice skating? Letting them pick the activity suggests you care about not only them, but what they like. As a result, they will feel that you really care and will likely be happy to spend the time with you.
Go To Your Child’s Extracurricular Activities
Make it a point to go to your child’s extracurricular activities. This could be anything from a baseball game to a play to a concert. Let them know that you are rooting for them all the time.
Plan a Trip Together
The parent and the child can plan a trip together. Depending on what your budget is, it could be just a small fishing trip to a more expensive one, such as going to Disney World. Let the child have a say as to when and where to go. Ask them to also voice out where they would like to stay and eat. If your finances are limited, give them choices. There are plenty of other details in which they can get involved in the planning of the trip.
Plan a Family Game Night
If you can stomach the idea of seeing your ex again, why not suggest a family game night wherein you order food in and play board games all night? This would mean a lot to your children to not only spend time with both parents, but to also know their parents can get along. Being respectful to your ex in front of your children is one of the best things you can do to stay connected to them.
It is essential you stay in touch with your children after a divorce. You are not the only one who is hurting from this, or experiencing mixed up feelings. Spending time with your children will allow you to connect with them on so many different levels, thus making your relationship stronger and healthier.
My name is Geoff Leary. I wanted to build rocket ships, but I’m settling for being a freelance writer here in Upstate New York. I like to take action and inspire people. I found great information on divorce document prep on Wtpny website while researching for this article.
