Florida Statute 61.13003 allows the Court to order electronic communication between a parent and a child. This communication can be via email, text messages, Skype or any other form of electronic media available to both parents. With older children, this is relatively easy as they often communicate with their friends via social media. With very young children, this can present a challenge especially for those parents exercising a long-distance parenting plan. Electronic communication is a way to supplement, not replace, traditional contact with a child so parents should attempt to make the contact meaningful and fun. How can this be accomplished with young children with a short attention span?
With young children, the likely form of electronic communication will be Skype or something similar. Parents can have identical items (interactive toys, books, favorite stuffed animals, etc.) near the computer. If you communicate with your child close to bedtime, you can read a book to the child while the other parent allows the child to look at the same book in their home. Interactive toys or stuffed animals can be a creative way to talk to your child and have them participate in the fun rather than attempting to keep their attention focused on a computer screen. Change the items regularly to keep the child’s interest. Reading a book each night can become a tradition and the books can change as the child gets older. Parents can use different toys to educate while talking to the child. For example, you can ask the child to point to different color toys or count blocks.
Regardless of what items you choose, the point is to make your Skype time with the child enjoyable for both.