Tips for Virtual Child Visitation Sessions

During the time of COVID-19, it has become more common for noncustodial parents to have virtual child visitation sessions rather than in-person visits, especially when there are safety concerns. While it’s always preferable to have in-person visitation, sometimes this simply isn’t possible due to logistical issues, or, in today’s environment, due to pandemic-related concerns.

It’s still possible to have a successful, enjoyable virtual visitation session. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of yours.

• Activities and games: There are some activities and games that actually lend themselves well to a virtual setting. You can find digital games like Draw Something, Words With Friends or various Jackbox games, or other types of video games if you have older children who are into gaming. You can also find other types of creative activities you can share together, such as drawing with each other or watching a movie together.
• Conversations: It can take a little bit of getting used to having conversations over video chat, but it’s still a great way to get some face time with each other and to give yourselves a way to have conversations that feel a bit more like you’re in each other’s presence than a simple phone call. Talk about your day and keep each other updated about what’s new and interesting in your lives.
• Features: You can have fun with some of the features built into video calling apps, such as fun backgrounds, silly filters, drawing functionality and more. Young kids especially get a kick out of a lot of the face filters you’ll find on video calling tools.
• Have a plan: If you get some extended visitation time but it’s virtual, make sure you go in with a plan other than to just get on a video call. Have a variety of activities you can choose from and be prepared for your child to want to do any of them. Otherwise you might find you’ll both get bored rather quickly.

Interested in learning more about how to make the most of virtual visitation appointments? Contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.