It is usually better for children to have a realistic experience of their parents instead of a relationship they create entirely in their fantasies. Children are sensitive to how parents feel and believe they will hurt one parent if they enjoy being with their other parent. A common complaint from children who see a far away parent is that they spend more time with the stepparent and stepfamily than they do with their Mom or Dad. Often children have been looking forward to this time and have all kinds of expectations about how they will spend the time with their Dad or Mom. Discuss ahead of time what will be happening and what children can expect when they will be with their far away parent.
Children always cope better when they have predictability.
Parents should include work, play and time alone with children when they are together. Children need to be able to manage their own relationship with a stepparent. Sometimes a parent gives the impression their feelings are hurt or children are disloyal if children like a stepparent. Children do best when they are free to choose whether or not they like their stepparents. Children can thrive when they have several grownups that care about them.