I thought I would share with you an article written by FLIP to help separated couples make contact arrangements for their children. It involves an App called Our Family Wizard. https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/ The article follows:
For many separated parents, finding a system of communication and organisation that enables them to co-parent well is not always straightforward. The system will usually comprise telephone calls, text messages, emails, WhatsApp messages to name but a few. Sometimes the system works well. Other times, it breaks down and can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. So, what can a programme which describes itself as “making co-parenting easier” offer to those parents who feel a little overwhelmed or perhaps in need of some help? Could it be the answer to their communication woes?
Our Family Wizard (OFW) was created by Paul and Dara Volker, a married couple who both have children from previous marriages. After separating from their former partners, it soon transpired that scheduling plans for the holidays (with their former spouses in mind) was something that was causing them some difficulty. They searched the internet to see if there was a (technological) solution that would enable them to communicate more effectively. It became apparent that there was no such thing. Having experienced family breakdown themselves and living with the realities of co-parenting with their former spouses, this gave them the vital insight required to create an innovative programme “to manage, schedule and share information cooperatively and efficiently”.
Whether or not interaction with a former spouse is difficult, the creators realised that centralising information and communication was key. The programme is designed to assist parents in a number of ways but primarily: setting out schedules for children and their day to day activities, as well as enabling parents to keep track of expenses, appointments (and medical information), and
even a section for children’s clothes sizing so each parent can buy clothing and shoes without difficulty (and without having to ask the other parent for this basic information).
The transparency that comes with such a system would hopefully mean that fewer mistakes are made. It may also reduce, to an extent, the opportunity for conflict. By the same token, the openness of the system allows a parent to keep track of a pattern of non-communication where applicable or indeed the tone of communication that takes place.
The programme is available online where users can sign in or it can be downloaded as an app.