What is Electronic Parenting Time?

Illinois grants the possibility of Electronic Parenting Time to separated parents and their children, depending on the situation. Electronic Parenting Time can also be included in parenting agreements. This can be very valuable as it allows a parent to spend time with their child on video chat applications such as Zoom or Skype when being together physically is not possible. There are pros and cons to electronic parenting time, and you should consider whether it could be a helpful tool for improving your child's life.

There are many reasons why it might be difficult to visit your child or have them visit you, especially at this time, while we fight a global pandemic. If you or the child are dealing with health concerns, or the child has a complicated school and after-school schedule, it could make spending time with them difficult. Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day, and sharing a phone call isn't as personal as seeing your loved one's face. Younger children can oftentimes have trouble connecting with their parents over the phone, but seeing facial expressions through a video can help them to really engage. You can share activities that may not be possible over the phone, such as playing games together, or using fun filters. It is a great way to work through their homework if they need your help, as phone and tablet cameras can zoom in so that you can read textbooks and assignments easily. It will provide a window into the child's and parent's life giving the conversation a more personal touch.

You will need a compatible device to video chat, but most recent cell phones, computers, and tablets will have a webcam of good quality built in. You will need to have the basic understanding of how to download the correct apps and connect with your loved one. Your child will need to be connected through a device on their, end as well. The technology can seem overwhelming at first, but it is very simply designed, and the apps will generally walk you through the setup process. There are many tutorial videos online to help you get set up properly. Giving a child a device can be a troubling concept, as they could potentially use it for the wrong purposes or accidentally spend money with the device. Parental controls exist to make this less likely, but some might not want a child using electronics during their developing years. Another negative is that video chatting will never truly replace in-person parenting and shouldn't be used as an excuse to not see your family in person. It also cannot be used in the case of a relocation argument.

During covid, it became more and more widespread for families to spend time together over distances using video chat. This allowed people to get comfortable with the idea of electronic parenting time when it was necessary due to health reasons, and now it can be used as an extra way to spend time with your child outside of personal visits. Either way, make sure you consider all the potential issues and benefits that can arise from spending time together over video chat and whether it can benefit you and your family in the future.

If you have questions about your parenting agreement, or if you are about to embark on a custody case, contact me today to learn about your options and how I can help your family find the right arrangement.