Some parents have no choice but to leave the city, state or country because of work or due to divorce or separations. However, this also means that they have to do long distance parenting.
Empowering Parents and Babble shared some tips to make long distance parenting work. If a parent really has no other choice, he or she can still develop a close relationship with the kids despite being away from them.
1. Use the latest technology.
Gone are the days when long distance parents had to write letters by hand and send them through the mail in order to communicate with their kids. Long distance parenting is all the more made possible because modern technology.
Video chatting every day through Skype or Zoom can make all the difference in the world. Being friends in social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter can make you feel together despite being miles apart. "Her knowing that I am here—thinking of her and wanting to see her before she heads to bed—is extremely important, both for her and for me," Babble shared.
2. Send gifts.
A gift could never match the physical presence of parents in their kids' lives but it is better than nothing. Just remember that it is not the price that matters but the thought and effort. Make long distance parenting work by making the effort to always send gifts or cards.
3. Schedule days for visitations and make them count.
Make the most of your time—but don't forget structure: When those special days finally arrive and you're enjoying a visit together, make the most of that time," Empowering Parents advised. "Keep the focus on your child and enjoy every precious moment as much as possible."
Visit zoos, museums, theme parks and other unforgettable locations. You can also do bonding activities together such as yard work, driving lessons, meal preparations and road trips.
Have you experienced long distance parenting? How did you try to make it work? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
