“Technology is making it easier for noncustodial, divorced parents to maintain their bond with their children.

In virtual visitation, computers are outfitted with webcams that allow parents and children to see each other, making a phone call much more personal and much easier for younger children. ”

See the full story at ABC News.

PEORIA – The Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood will host a forum on “virtual visitation” from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at Baker Hall at Bradley University, 1422 W. Main St., Room B53.

Led by the council’s chairman, Jeffery Leving, the forum will instruct participants on using technology to stay connected with children regardless of physical location or even incarceration. The event is free.

From PJStar.com

We’re in the news again! This was an interview I did some time ago. It turned into a great story.

“It’s like any other birthday scene where a parent watches a child rifle through presents, with one exception: Hammond is in California, and Kegan is in Tennessee. Their entire communication took place via the Internet.”

http://www.delta-sky.com/2006_09/RolePlaying/index.html

The Daily Breeze, a Los Angeles area newspaper, published a story about virtual visitation this morning. I had the opportunity to speak to the report as did two other long distance parents.

I’m pleased that virtual visitation is getting such positive press. The use of webcams has truly been a wonderful addition to my own long distance parenting experience. This summer, while my son is away at his dad’s, I will get to see him twice a week. Tonight will be out first virtual visit of the summer. I can hardly wait to see him!

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ran this story on virtual visitation on their front page today. I did an interview for the story with reporter, Stacy Forster. My quote wound up bolded along side the front page story. I carefully printed the clippings Michael Gough sent me along with the internet version, stapled it together and I plan on stashing it away to show my son.

Although the story was on virtual visitation, I found that Stacy asked me the more emotional-based questions that people tend to be curious about. How do you like it? What does your son think about it? How does his father use it? I’m ok with that. That’s what moms are… we are the nurturers, the emotional creatures in our children’s lives. I don’t mind answering the techy questions, but there are so few of us moms to speak up on behalf of long distance parenting relationships that I enjoy answering the questions I’m best at.

I have the unique perspective of, having been a long distance parent, now being the primary care giver and being on the ‘other side’ of a long distance parenting relationship. I went from the role of asking for visitation to the one encouraging my son to get in as much internet visitation with his dad as he feels the need for. Although my situation has changed and my son lives with me for now, I am still a very strong advocate of long distance parenting relationships. If… (More)