Everyone life has been affected by the Coronavirus with
government shutdown of businesses.
Millions have lost jobs or are facing an uncertain financial
future. In addition, the virus has also
caused concerned for the health of children and family members. Co-Parents may find it easier to not send
children back and forth frequently between homes and are looking to other ways
to virtually parent. Others may actually be on the front-lines and are
concerned about possible exposure to the coronavirus and so are agreeable to
reduced parenting time.
There are options that co-parents can implement for the ex
to make-up for loss parenting time.
However, the most important thing to remember is keeping everyone
healthy. For a parent who has the
coronavirus or suspects they have the coronavirus needs to take all possible
precautions to avoid spreading it to their child. Arrangements to “make-up” for lost time can
always be made after any current limitations.
Technology is a great way to spend time with your child even
if the Coronavirus has created obstacles from a parent to have actual physical
content. Some innovative ways to
interact with children are:
1.
Online cooking together can be a wonderful
experience where both you and your child are, simultaneously but in different
locations, preparing a shared recipe together. Pick a fun recipe to make
together and set a time to do so!
2.
Don’t forget the schoolwork! Whether present or
not, a parent can work with the child on fun and interesting educational
activities. There are an abundance of free, online educational games and
activities for children. There are also some inexpensive services such as at
Adventure Academy that charge a nominal monthly fee and which will also
communicate with your child’s teachers about online activities and
opportunities. Even if you are not with the child, you may be able to join your
child virtually to take a number of school-related remote courses/activities
which help educate your child.
3.
There are a number of programs that have sprung
up which can be played remotely including via a phone app or on a laptop. A
parent and a child or children can set a schedule which includes specific times
to play games together, read books, sing songs and interact with one another,
all virtually.
4.
If you have a phone and a laptop on both ends,
FaceTime calling a child and then joining together in a game or activity may be
an option. There are a plethora of online opportunities along these lines.
Kidsworldfun has online games. Myfreezoo offers numerous options as do
switchzoo, verywellfamily, funbrain, and hangrybynature, along with many others.
5.
Attend a remote third party function with your
child. Many zoos and aquariums are now offering remote tours/visitations
without charge. You can literally join your child to see all sorts of mammals,
fish and creatures of interest all over the world.
Understand that it’s okay to parent away from a child during
these uncertain times. This does not prohibit a parent from interacting with
the child regularly, and it may actually offer opportunities for one to spend
more time and have more interaction with their child, albeit remotely, than a
parent does otherwise in person as part of their parenting plan.
Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give
you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your
family. You also want to make sure they
will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement
strategies to provide the best possible outcome.
Rob McAngus,
Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and
his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict
divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being
selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar
Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to
achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal. As both an adopted child and a member of a
blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family
law.
Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in
2016 through 2020, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of
the Top 40 Under 40. He can be reached
by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com. Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree
cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude
from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.
No comments:
Post a Comment