Sustaining Children’s and noncustodial connections during visitation interruptions
Social distancing does not equate to not seeing other people, it only means you have to keep your distance. If there’s a concern that one may be at risk of carrying the infection, you can still connect with your children. By taking precautions and doing activities that promote safety like going for walks, and seeing each other via video. To help your child cope with not being able to see the other parent in person, try to imitate a past routine. If their visitation schedule used to be every Tuesday evening, develop a regular activity for Tuesday nights that they can be together in a unique way. Via video perform the same activity, play a game, eat a meal, read a story, or watch the same movie at the same time, and talk about it at the end.
If you recognize your child is sad or irritable, ask them to talk about their feelings. “If they express they miss their other parent, or anything associated with that parent, like their room or pets at that parent’s home, do not take it personally. Let them know their feelings are normal. Brainstorm with them new and fun ways they can stay connected to the other parent.