Some parents find the transition from married parenting to co-parenting as single partners quite easy.\u00a0 Other parents are not so lucky.\u00a0 In an arena where hurt feelings and a sense of betrayal are quite common, communicating about the children can be filled with heartache, anger, a lack of trust, and other emotions that sometimes come out in ways that are less than productive.<\/p>\n
However, regardless of where parents are in their emotional divorce processing, there are some tools available that help parents put their kids first.\u00a0 In an age where almost everyone has a cell phone, handling family matters after a divorce can be as simple as the touch of a button.\u00a0 There are several apps designed to make family life easier for co-parenting adults.\u00a0 Of course, apps only work if you use them.\u00a0 Consequently, it is a good idea to explore the individual features of each app to find one that both you and your ex can use with ease.\u00a0 This may take a bit of time, and require additional discussions. However, if, at the end of the day, any of the apps put the children in a better position, the investment is well worth it.<\/p>\n
Note: These are not the only co-parenting apps available.\u00a0 The purpose of this post is not to endorse one app over another.\u00a0 Rather, it is to simply call to parents\u2019 attention the availability of, and the helpful features of, some of the apps out there designed for parents who no longer live together, to help them keep the children\u2019s needs at the forefront.<\/p>\n
One of the benefits of AppClose is that it is free.\u00a0 Features include calendar sharing, messaging options, a way to track expenses and a way to store documents.\u00a0 Of particular note, the messaging feature includes a \u201ctime read confirmation,\u201d to provide information on when a person actually read the text message sent.\u00a0 It also allows one to search conversations, and export whole conversations if need be.<\/p>\n
AppClose, like many other co-parenting apps, has a section that allows one parent to submit a request to the other parent.\u00a0 One can use the feature to request a change in the parenting time schedule, request reimbursement for medical or other expenses, and offers payment through a third party provider right in the app.\u00a0 Expenses can also be tracked within the app and converted to reimbursement requests.\u00a0 Finally, AppClose has a feature that allows parents to store important information such as school contacts, immunization records, and alternate child care options.<\/p>\n
Fayr was developed by a divorced dad, with an eye towards helping his own family.\u00a0 It keeps track of expenses, scheduling, communication, and geo pinpointing.\u00a0 Like other apps, Fayr offers a time-sharing calendar that allows both parents to add special events, as well as exchange parenting days.\u00a0 Fayr offers a messaging app to allow parents to communicate.\u00a0 It has a way to track expenses, including allowing parents to upload images and receipts to document expenses.\u00a0 For those who need it, the app offers a geolocation log which allows parents to check in to document their presence at a given GPS location, including precise date and time of log in.<\/p>\n
Fayr also offers user feedback.\u00a0 It provides monthly reports about parental use of the app, including message response times.<\/p>\n
Coparently offers a color-coded child custody calendar, messaging apps, and expense tracking.\u00a0 A shared directory provides contact information on all the people important in a child\u2019s life, from the pediatrician to both grandmas to the phone numbers of favored babysitters.\u00a0 This app also has a feature that allows the children access to the custody calendar.\u00a0 Thus, children can access their parenting time schedule at a moment\u2019s notice.\u00a0 However, the children have limited access and do not have access to parent messages, expenses, etc.<\/p>\n
2Houses also has a color-coded calendar to track parenting time.\u00a0 They offer an autofill feature for traditional custody arrangements such as 3-3-4-4, 2-2-5-5, and 2-2-3.\u00a0 However, the calendar can also be customized if parents prefer.\u00a0 In addition to allowing parents to request schedule changes through the app, 2Houses provides the other parent the option to accept or offer an alternative schedule change proposal.\u00a0 The financial management system keeps a running balance of who needs to pay what and to whom.\u00a0 An online journal provides a place to track important information.\u00a0 2Houses also offers a place to store medical records, social security numbers, contact info for people important in the child\u2019s life, and other important information.<\/p>\n
Our Family Wizard also offers a calendar which can be used by both parents.\u00a0 It maintains a history of changes for easy reference.\u00a0 Parents can make requests to trade parenting time days through the app.\u00a0 The app documents these requests, and the\u00a0response times.\u00a0 Our Family Wizard also features a message board with an added feature.\u00a0 Our Family Wizard claims their text messaging app prevents others from editing, deleting, or retracting messages.\u00a0 Additionally, Our Family Wizard offers\u00a0 \u201cTone Meter\u201d \u2122, which helps parents identify emotionally charged sentences. \u00a0This allows parents to adjust their tone before sending messages to the other parent.\u00a0 This app also features an expense log, reimbursement requests, a way to receive and send payments, and store emergency contacts.<\/p>\n
Parenting is hard.\u00a0 Co-parenting can also be hard.\u00a0 But it doesn\u2019t have to be a constant challenge.\u00a0 At Fait & DiLima, we work with our clients to establish co-parenting schedules that are in the best interests of the family.\u00a0 Even couples who have amicable divorces can have miscommunications.\u00a0 Unfortunately, this can negatively impact their relationship with each other or negatively impact their kids.\u00a0 Co-parenting apps are just one of many ways that miscommunication can be reduced.<\/p>\n