Law Office of Tammy Jaques, P.A.  Mediation Division

1.  Don't talk bad about my other parent around me.  I love you both!

2.  Don't make me pick or choose  between spending time with either of you.

3.  Don't ask me questions about my other parent's personal life.

4.  Don't make me call your girlfriend "Mommy" or your boyfriend "Daddy".  Go slowly.

5.  Don't pack my ugliest clothes for my trip to my other parent's house.

6.  Don't listen to my phone calls.

7.  Feed me before you take me to my other home and tell my other parent what I have eaten and what medications you have given me in case I have a bad reaction to something.

8.  Tell my other parent about school plays, sporting events, or give them a schedule so that both of you can see how great I am!

9.  Don't be late.  It makes me nervous.

10.  Remember, I am always listening ...

If you are a long-distance parent: 

• Watch TV together. Let your children know that you will be watching their favorite shows and ready to talk about them. 
• Give your children pre-addressed, stamped manila envelopes so that they can send you schoolwork and artwork. 
• Send cards for Halloween, Valentine's Day, The 4th of July, etc. 
• Set up web cams on your computer and your kids' computers. Use Skype to connect.
• Use Facebook or other social networks if you can do it safely.
• Make sure that your kids have cell phones with your number programmed in. And, learn to send them text messages. 
• Keep up with schoolwork. Send teachers pre-addressed, stamped manila envelopes so that it's easy to send you updates. Initiate communications with teachers by telephone and email.
• Buy your child a camera or video camera (or cellphone with these features) and have them record special events such as their "at bats" at baseball or their chorus concert for you.  Be sure to acknowledge and compliment their efforts.