Westchester, NY family law attorney Andrea B. Friedman talks about whether parenting time is the same as visitation. She states that the term “parenting time” has replaced what was traditionally referred to as “visitation.” She notes that “visitation” can feel impersonal and does not accurately reflect a parent’s role in their child’s life. By contrast, “parenting time” emphasizes the ongoing relationship between parent and child.

She adds that parenting time schedules can vary depending on the circumstances of each family, but the guiding principle is to ensure meaningful and consistent engagement between parents and their children. The term reinforces the importance of parental involvement rather than simply assigning periods of visitation.