Parents trying to work out custody arrangements often focus on the biggest issues. They may overlook potential sources of conflict that could lead to them fighting with one another in the future. It is common for parents to focus on parenting time more than any other details when establishing a parenting arrangement.
They may then find themselves butting heads over decisions regarding the upbringing of their children. Parents who share physical custody or parenting time typically also share legal custody or the authority to make decisions about their children. Most of the time, parents have to accept that they have no control over the choices that the other parent makes regarding their children during their parenting time.
However, parents can potentially include provisions in their custody arrangements that help keep things consistent at both homes. Establishing standards for technology use can be crucial for those preparing to co-parent.
What technology issues should parents address?
There are several concerns related to the use of technology by children that parents may want to address when negotiating custody arrangements. The first has to do with overall screen time limitations.
Younger children, in particular, should not have a large amount of unsupervised screen time. Parents may need to establish consistent limits for screen time that apply at both houses and evolve as the children mature.
Parents may also need to discuss limitations on what type of screen time children have. For example, they may agree to different rating limits for games, movies and television shows. They may also need to discuss social media.
Some parents feel strongly that even teenagers should not be on social media. Others are more permissive. Parents who agree to the same arrangements can avoid conflict in the future and prevent scenarios in which their teenagers play them against each other for personal benefit.
Finally, parents may need to address the cost associated with technology. They may need to have rules in place for who pays for devices and services, including who is responsible for damaged or lost devices.
With the right technology standards integrated into a parenting arrangement, it is easier for parents to avoid conflict and to raise healthy, well-rounded children. Identifying key parenting issues before they become a problem can help those who need to establish shared custody arrangements.