Being able to see your child in person is often the highlight of a parent’s day, especially if they don’t live with you. The desire to see them can often lead parents to do whatever it takes to make the visits happen. Unfortunately, there are sometimes circumstances, such as when the parent has a contagious illness, that the visits might not be in the child’s best interests.

Technology can help parents who can’t be with their children in person still spend time with them. Virtual visits, which can occur using video chats and similar methods, help to keep the line of communication open. The parent and child are still able to see each other, which doesn’t really replace an in-person visit, but it can help to bridge the gap.

There are many possibilities with what can occur during a virtual visit. You can help the child with homework, read a book together, play a game or just have a chat. Trying to make the visits enjoyable must remain a priority.

You can include the virtual visits in the parenting plan. Putting the terms in this document can help ensure that everyone is on the same page about what needs to happen. It enables you to ensure that there are guidelines to these visits.

You can note that these visits can’t be censored by the parent who’s there with the child. These visits should have the same open line of communication that’s possible in an in-person visit. They should also take place at a time that’s convenient for the child, so the adult might have to deal with a bit of inconvenience. Just make sure that you have everything spelled out clearly in the parenting plan.