Co-parenting isn’t easy. Thankfully, the conveniences afforded by living in the Digital Age can help to facilitate healthier, more cooperative co-parenting arrangements. By leveraging technology, co-parents can enhance communication, coordination and organization.
Speaking openly about which platforms might work best for an individual family’s needs can be a particularly effective approach.
Co-parenting apps and platforms
Co-parenting apps and platforms have emerged as valuable tools to streamline communication and collaboration between co-parents. These dedicated platforms offer a range of features designed to make co-parenting easier:
- Shared Calendars: Co-parenting apps provide shared calendars that allow parents to input and track parenting schedules, appointments, school events and other important dates. This eliminates confusion and ensures that both parents are aware of their responsibilities and can plan accordingly.
- Communication Tools: Co-parenting platforms often include secure messaging or chat features that enable real-time communication between co-parents. This facilitates smooth and efficient communication regarding child-related matters.
- Document Sharing: These apps allow for easy sharing of important documents, such as medical records, school reports, or legal documents. This promotes transparency and ensures that both parents have access to essential information.
- Expense Tracking: Some co-parenting apps offer expense tracking features, allowing co-parents to record and share information about shared expenses, child support payments or reimbursement requests.
- Video Conferencing: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet enable co-parents to have face-to-face meetings virtually. Video conferencing can be used for regular check-ins, discussing important issues and participating in parenting discussions, even if co-parents live in different locations.
- Instant Messaging and Email: Instant messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp or Slack, along with email, allow for quick and convenient communication between co-parents for exchanging information, discussing minor matters and providing updates.
When co-parenting relationships are particularly contentious, it can be prudent to outline expectations related to co-parenting technology and virtual visitation in a family’s parenting plan.