Families: Virtual Visitations

A Florida judge finds an innovative way to keep a parent and child who are separated by divorce in touch through teleconferencing

Ponytail flying, 10-year-old Ashton Kaleita of Winter Springs, Fla., bounces across her bed, punches buttons on her computer and picks up the phone to dial her mom in Lancaster, Ohio. "Hurry it up, Mama! I have the IP number," she says. In seconds, Ashton's smiling mom appears in real time on the computer screen. "Good morning, Princess," Tawny Kaleita-Sniderman says. Ashton chatters about Saturday's plans--bowling with Dad and the YMCA Indian Princesses, then a sleepover at a friend's house. "Mom, put Sputnik up, please," she squeals. Kaleita-Sniderman gently holds a bewildered-looking dog with pointy brown ears to the camera. Ashton reads...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!