Staying connected with your ex about your children may come naturally after divorce. Or it might take a little work. In either case, there is always room for improvement.
It’s never too late to explore new ways to share a family schedule, organize child-related information or supply one another with updates of your children’s lives. Thankfully, you can carry out a lot of this organization and collaboration with a phone or computer, which means there isn’t too much risk or investment involved.
Below are three digital tools that can help create ease as your children begin splitting their lives between two homes.
1-Google Calendar
Google Calendar allows you to transfer a printed custody schedule in a digital space. And whether you use the website or phone app, you can create a shared calendar that both you and your co-parent can contribute to.
In addition to the parenting plan, you also schedule both ongoing events and free-standing appointments. This can include anything from medical appointments, extracurricular activities and family vacations. Plus, you can set up and receive notifications on your phone about upcoming obligations. That way there is accountability for making it on time to child exchanges.
2-Co-parenting apps
There are also several apps that are specifically for parents who take care of their children in two separate homes. Apps like OurFamilyWizard and CoParently provide a platform for co-parents to message one another about their children and organize child-related documents, expenses and emergency contacts. Most of these apps also have scheduling features, making them a one-stop shop.
Plus, it’s worth noting that the messaging features on many co-parenting apps implement technology that flags potentially mean or harsh messages before you send them. This can help co-parents keep a positive relationship with each other and be positive role models for their children.
3-Social media
If you are on good terms with your ex and haven’t blocked them on every social media platform, then social media sites are a great way for parents to keep up with children through photos and videos. You do this through a private message, family group message or posting to your own profile. It’s a light-hearted way for parents to feel like they aren’t missing out on any memories or milestones.
At the end of the day, you’ll likely develop rules and expectations for how you communicate, so why not make it easier through using the same phone that’s always by your side.
