Parents play an important role in providing opportunities and encouragement to their children, contributing to the development of personality and character. However, divorce can create emotional and physical distance between parent and child, leaving parents feeling disconnected from what the child does in their spare time. Even when one parent doesn’t see her child regularly, the child still wants both parents to be interested in things they like. Whether kids find happiness in sports, performing arts, or clubs, research has shown that kids spend an average of five hours a week participating in some type of organized activity. Since young people often choose these activities, they are an ideal way for parents to learn about their child’s interests.
When divorce occurs, parents have to find new ways to communicate with each other about their children’s activities. Studies show that it is common for parents to experience some conflict, especially during the first two years after divorce. Even when there is minimal conflict, ex-spouses may find it difficult to communicate effectively with each other. Remember, children still love both parents and want them to be present in their lives. Web-based technologies may be the means through which a non-residential parent can remain involved in his or her child’s activities.
These technologies can help ex-spouses share information. Using a shared calendar is the perfect place to list the dates and times of upcoming events and activities. Whenever possible, it is beneficial for non-resident parents to attend. When distance makes it difficult, parents can use “personal notes” as a reminder to talk with the child about their experiences. A girl who lived far away from her father used video sharing tools to upload a video message of her singing the solo she would perform in her next play. This provided an opportunity for the child to share and the parent to feel included. While parents can’t be at every event, the web allows them to stay informed, express interest, and maintain an active and ongoing role in their children’s lives.