Does the parent have the right to restrict the child's communication with the other parent during the crisis?

In a crisis situation, it is particularly important for parents to share adequate information about the health of themselves and other family members. When the family members are healthy, not quarantined and there are no people at risk, there is no reason to restrict communication between the child and the parent. I wish all parents a peaceful mind and reasonableness for arranging visiting and communication schedules, and more so during the pandemic.

A question from a concerned parent: My six-year-old daughter should go to her father for the weekend, as agreed by the parents. The father and his other family members have been staying at home, and none of them has been diagnosed with COVID-19 symptoms. I'm still worried, I think they go to the grocery store more often, for example. In a crisis situation, does the parent have the right to restrict the child's communication with the other parent?

In a time of crisis, it is first important to remain calm. Now is not the time to start having more quarrels or litigation. If the father and other members of his family do not have symptoms of the virus, are not quarantined and have no family members at risk (especially babies and the elderly), there is no reason to restrict the meetings between the separated parent and the child. This is, of course, provided that the child feels well and is free of symptoms. It is important that parents share adequate information about the health of their family members and possible quarantine.

Meetings do need to be conducted responsibly and in accordance with general national emergency rules. In particular, in today's situation, children cannot be required to spend hours in public transport to travel from one end of Estonia to another. It is generally the parents' responsibility, especially in an emergency, to reach an agreement on whether to postpone the meeting temporarily or to arrange for the child to be transported to the other parent in a way that does not endanger the health of the child or others. To reasonable solutions and calmness of mind!

This article was originally published on March 21, 2020. You can read more about my answer to a concern from worried parent here: https://perejakodu.delfi.ee/artikkel/89298191/lahutatud-ema-meie-tutar-elab-vaheldumisi-molema-vanemaga-kas-ma-pean-ka-koroonaajal-ta-isa-juurde-saatma?

Articles

Add a comment