I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful open community where parents can come and share their experiences in a non-threatening environment and without fear of criticism or judgment. 
 
I have been a long distance mom for almost two years now.  The living arrangement I have with one of my children is not ideal but my husband and I are doing our best to make it work.  Being a long distance mom has been such an unparalleled experience for me that I have found it difficult to find others with which to talk about issues that are unique to being a long distance mom - until now.
 
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.  That’s where the forums on this site come in.  This is a place to share ideas, vent frustrations, and receive emotional support from others in similar situations.
 
I have several ideas for topics that I think will be interesting to explore including social stigma, long separations, visitation, legal issues, financial issues, holidays, travel, non-supportive people, etc.  In sharing my personal stories, I’m hoping to help others know that they are not alone in the challenge of being a long distance parent.

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!

“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

When the site was a baby, the bravenet forums worked. Now, not so much. I haven’t been getting notified of new messages - my sincere apologies to anyone that did not get responses. So I’m installing a new forum system today and will hopefully have it up and running fairly quickly.

This will also further another evolving goal of the site - to provide community for parents who are in every aspect of a long distance parenting relationship including moms, dads and possibly a forum for the parents with physical custody of children in a long distance parenting relationship. With the new forums system, we will be able to maintain these communities separately in order to be respectful of the unique position of each as well as offering a place for the communities to mingle where desired.

Update : The forums are up and running! I have copied over links from the old forums to the new forums so there is a continuation of discussion. Post away!