Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Living apart from your child

Between visits, email and texts provide the perfect way to communicate with your children

Whatever the reason for living apart, any parent relocating can be upsetting for the children and for this reason it's essential to their welfare that you maintain regular contact.

Keep in touch

Invite your children to stay for regular weekend and holiday visits. For everyone's convenience arrange visits in advance and mark them up with your children on a calendar so they can look forward to it.

Make the most of modern technology

Between visits, email and texts provide the perfect way to communicate with your children. Phone calls are also a good way to stay in touch. It's a good idea to create a schedule for them so both you and your children know when to be available.

Keep your word

A parent moving away can be a source of great anxiety to children. It is essential, therefore, that you are 100% reliable in all your contact arrangements. This means phoning when you say you will, being on time to collect or drop them off and making them your number one priority.

Make the most of your time

Living away makes it more difficult to see your children and travelling between parents can also be stressful for them. Make an effort to ensure you enjoy quality time together, cooking a meal, going to the park, watching a family film, reading, and lots of cuddles are all ideal. Occasional treats are good, but low key family activities are most reassuring. Above all, be affectionate and let them know you love and care for them even though you live away.