Whether you’re gone for a three-day weekend or a month-long business trip, as a parent, there’s nothing worse than leaving your family and loved ones at home. Chances are you’ll never get used to the sinking feeling of stepping out your front door, suitcase in hand, while your five-year-old is climbing up your leg for one last hug before you open the door of the taxi and disappear. Luckily, technological advancements have made it easier to keep in contact with your children when you’re away from home. As a traveling parent, reaching out to your children to chat, play a game or say goodnight is as easy as finding a good Wi-Fi connection. Here are a few ways to share some special moments with your children when you’re away.
The Beauty of Snail Mail
Don’t laugh, technophiles: Children love receiving mail. In fact Facebook, Skype and email are so commonplace today, there is something unique about sending and receiving postcards. While mailing a postcard doesn’t have the immediate satisfaction of seeing someone or of communicating in the present moment, it does let a child know you’re thinking of them. More importantly, it will give your kids an idea of where you are and what it looks like there.
Have a Skype Date
Skype is the best way to keep in touch with loved ones who are far away. What makes Skype so good? It’s a free computer program. If both you and your kids have a web cam, you can both see and talk to one another. However, depending on what type of computer you have and the type of connection you’re hooked up to, the picture and audio on Skype may not always be perfect, but it’s still better than purchasing a $10 phone card and receiving only fifteen minutes to talk. There’s no limit to how long you can talk on Skype. Do you want to read your son his favorite bedtime story? This is the technology that makes it possible.
Pictures are Perfect
Snapping and sending a quick photo with your mobile is the 21st century equivalent to sending a postcard. It’s easy and instantaneous. If you’re several thousand miles from home, this is a simple way to share your day with your kids. Documenting your day through photos is the perfect way to connect with home, and chances are you’re kids will be more than happy to snap photos of what mom is cooking for dinner or what the dog is doing in the backyard.
Videos
Having a video chat over Skype is great, but what about those times when you can’t coordinate schedules? What if you’re halfway across the world and your family is asleep while you’re awake? You could send a video over Facebook or on YouTube, but then you risk other people seeing it as well, unless you know the ins and outs of those services. Luckily, there are services out there that let you upload videos and send your family a link to download it. Add in some password-protection, and you’re just a few clicks away from a personalized video message, any time, day or night.
While leaving your family for any length of time is emotional, there are several easy ways to stay in touch. The world is better connected now than ever before, and instead of having to send a telegram on a steamship, you can communicate with your kids with a simple click. Just remember to drop them a postcard, too.
