When your parents live abroad, it may be difficult for your child to bond with their grandparents. The distance and time difference can be a hindrance, however there are ways you can work around those things. Make communication a regular occurrence through high-definition video calls, a solid communication schedule, blogging, social media, email and regular postal mail. Here are some ways you can help your kids keep in touch with their grandparents who live abroad.
Video Communication
Video chat is one of the best forms of communication — it almost feels like you’re talking in person! Set up a video chat between your children and their grandparents through your computer or smartphone. Make sure you have a digital device that is capable of high-quality images and video, like the iPhone 7, so your video chat isn’t ruined by displaced pixelation. When you are setting yourself up for a video chat, make sure you are in a space that has ample lighting. The lighting should be behind the camera, illuminating your face, rather than behind you. Make sure you share this tip with the grandparents so you both have a crystal clear image of one another.
Scheduling Calls
The time difference between your home and that of your parents may be a bother, making it difficult to connect. However, with some skillful scheduling, you can find the right slice of time for a phone call. Have a weekly or monthly schedule, that allots an appropriate time when your children can talk with their grandparents. The more regular the schedule becomes, the easier it will be to stick to it.
Blogging
Create your own blog, where you can post family photos and share stories about your adventures. This is an excellent form of communication, that will let the grandparents check in on the exciting moments that your children experience. You can include photos of the family, pictures of the children’s art work or school projects, and written accounts of recent events. Make sure the blog is set to private and only shared with the grandparents to ensure your cyber safety. The grandparents can comment on the blog posts, which is a great way that you all can engage in a dialogue.
Social Media
Social media is a wonderful platform for keeping in touch with your loved ones who live far away. This is especially a great option for communication, if your children are older and have their own social media accounts. Some easy-to-use platforms include Instagram and Facebook. If the grandparents aren’t especially tech-savvy, these social media outlets have step-by-step tutorials they can use to become acquainted with their features and functions.
Email is a simple form of quick communication that will provide a communication bridge between your children and their grandparents. It’s ideal if the time difference is difficult to work around and you have little time for organization of phone calls or video chats. Once your children are old enough, teach them how they can access a family email account so they may pen their own letters and attach photos for their grandparents. It will feel more special if the kids are the creators of the messages, as it will be a first-hand form of communication.
Postal Mail
Sending and receiving mail in the post is an exciting event. Today, there are many companies that will help you customize cards and will send them directly to the recipient. This convenient method of creating and sending mail will save you time and will streamline the process. Stationery companies, like Minted and Shutterfly, will let you customize cards and postcards with your own photos. Once you’ve created your greeting card, they will take care of the mailing and send it directly to the grandparents overseas.
