#3155

Interactive Presentation

Loneliness and the Long-Distance Parent

Sun, May 22, 10:15-11:00 Asia/Tokyo

Location: Room P

Homes where the parents have split up are given the unfortunate monicker of “broken.” Co-parenting, under the best of circumstances, can be a challenge. Co-parenting from a distance brings additional difficulties, giving rise to questions of doubt and struggles with connection between parent and child. In this presentation, poet/singer-songwriter Phil Norton will share his experience co-parenting, often from another country, his struggle with loneliness as the secondary caregiver, and his use of creative expression to work through some of the resulting emotions. This presentation will also look at the isolation many faced during the pandemic as another type of “broken home” where family members were separated from one another. This presentation will incorporate original songs that illustrate various aspects of striving for a sense of home.