A parent is many things to their child. There are not enough nouns in the English language to accurately describe the many and varied roles that parents play in their children's lives. They are everything from cook to coach and supporter to story reader. In short, parents are everything to their children. One thing that they are, especially when separated, is a presence. A child should feel that they are, wherever they are, their parent's child. Being a presence in your child's life is a big job, no matter what your family dynamic or situation. When divorcing, keeping that presence strong and consistent is so important. Fortunately, today's technology offers parents more ways to communicate with their children when they are apart.

Adjusting to having two homes is complicated and making a considered effort to provide your children with reminders of your presence in their lives will ensure a better transition. A primary reminder that will give your child comfort and safety when apart is a picture of their parents and the special people and places in their lives. Purchasing a good quality digital camera for yourself and for your child is a good investment. They now make cameras that even your kindergarten age children can use. Taking pictures of their home, pets , rooms, and friends can be the beginning of an album that can grow as they grow and can be a special project that you can share with your child. Choosing a photo album that can be personalized and selecting the subject of photos can be a lot of fun for all of you.Traveling around and photographing places that are special for your child can be a special outing for the entire family. Many software programs allow you to download pictures in a scrapbook format and add captions and headings. For parents who are not as creative, a simple picture album that will travel with your child between homes can be a piece of vital stability.

Visual images are something even the youngest child can value.
Just as visual images stimulate children's senses, auditory recordings can prompt feelings of safety and comfort. Very reasonable versions of recordable story books are now available and you can record your voice reading their favorite stories. But don't confine yourself to stories. A small digital recorder is easy to use and you can record supportive and thoughtful messages.

Cooperation between parents to display pictures and play messages is essential. Some divorcing couples may find this an easy area to agree upon if they are keeping their children's well-being at the forefront. Your divorce mediator can help you work out any complications. Bringing issues like these that may not seem huge in the beginning into mediation can keep them from becoming real problems. Just remember, when it comes to your children, no issue or concern is too small.

Author's Bio: 

Brian James is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. Brian earned his B.S. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in 1994 and completed training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution at Northwestern University. For more information please visit Brian's website, http://www.celandassociates.com or give him a call at (312) 524-5829.