distanceparent.org now has it’s very own facebook page! From our facebook page, you can keep up with and comment on new posts to the distanceparent.org page.

To become a fan:
1. Log in to your facebook account.
2. Go to the distanceparent.org page.
3. Click ‘become a fan’.

I added a bunch of new stuff to the long distance parenting store… it was due for an update!

I added :

• a bunch of skype phones… my son uses skype to do internet visitation and he has a skype phone attached to his computer so that he can use skype to call family and friends.
• a bunch of letter writing stuff. Sometimes I can use the prompts in the lunchbox-type books for little notes for the kids. Kids love to use the fun stationary to write letters.
• new virtual visitation equipment recommendations - computers, webcams and headsets are super easy to set up for your kids if you want to do internet visitation.. I added a section for internet visitation how-to as well!
• some non-computer solutions for keeping in touch with your kids such as video phones, skype phones that don’t require a computer, calling cards and cell phones for kids
• A plethora of new books associated with long distance parenting - there are new books coming out all the time. Some of them aren’t directly related to long distance parents specifically…

My deepest apologies to those who emailed a LONG time ago to say that the long distance parenting forums were not working. It’s up and working now and you should be able to enroll and participate without a hitch. There is a forum for ld moms, one for ld dads and a forum for custodial parents in ld parent situations just WAITING for you to get in there and post your questions and comments. Hope to see you there!

The image of long distance parents (moms especially) is in desperate need of a makeover. I think it is important for all of us, whether we are distance parents by choice or by circumstance, to focus on maintaining a happy, healthy family life.

I am pleased to introduce a new contributor and moderator to distanceparent.org - Holly. She hails from the East coast and is a long distance mom. She has a passion for reaching out to other long distance parents, moms in particular, and encouraging communication and discussion about the practical stuff involved in a long distance parenting arrangement. She will be a regular blog contributor and she will be helping to moderate the forums so I’m sure we will be hearing more from her soon!

Thanks, Holly - and welcome!