These days, it’s easy for parents to electronically track their children and teens through their phones, watches and cars. Some even put Apple AirTags in their children’s backpacks.
If you’re a parent who feels better knowing where your child is at all times, you may see no reason not to continue tracking your child when they are with their other parent. The problem is that you then track your co-parent as well. At least, that’s how they could see it. They could then do the same when your child is with you – or even take the matter to court.
How to address your concerns about your child’s location
Because the practice of tracking children electronically has become so common, some parents include a “no tracking” clause in their parenting plans stating that neither parent will employ tracking technology for their child during the other parent’s scheduled time with them.
If you don’t want to add such a clause to your parenting plan because you’re concerned about where your ex may take your child, it’s important to address that upfront as you’re working out your conservatorship (child custody) agreement. You can also seek restrictions on how far your co-parent can travel with your child without your or the court’s approval.
If you have reason to believe that your ex could kidnap your child and take them somewhere you can’t locate them, it’s important to bring that to the court’s attention and seek the necessary legal measures to prevent that as early as possible. You will likely need to provide evidence of something they’ve said or done to make you worry about such a possibility. While a parent’s intuition can be strong, it’s not enough for a court order.
It’s also wise to make sure your child knows how to call 911 or otherwise seek help if they’re concerned about where they’re being taken. That doesn’t mean causing them to fear their other parent. All kids should know how to call 911 if they’re old enough. It also doesn’t hurt to sew or iron on ID labels in their clothes, outerwear or shoes.
Many newly separated parents find it difficult to trust their child’s other parent to take good care of them on their own. Before you take any steps – including having a tracking app follow your child when they’re with your ex – it’s wise to seek legal guidance.