logo

The Global Domain Name (url) Families.com is currently available for acquisition. Please contact by phone at 805-627-1955 or Email for Details

Encouraging Long Distance Connections

In these modern days of the mobile family, it’s less and less likely that children will grow up in towns and neighborhoods surrounded by extended family. Many children only get to see their own grandparents once or twice a year. This can make for awkward and weak family connections and kids may miss out on some of the benefits of being part of a larger family and community. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to encourage long distance connections and relationships and foster a feeling of closeness—even if the miles say differently.

The internet makes it much easier to stay in touch with people who live far away. But, it’s not just about e-mail. Recently, a friend of mine moved to Sweden with her spouse and two young children. They set up a blog which they make entries into, post pictures, and interact with friends and family all over the world. They’ve created a little “community” on line where they can all stay in touch. As children get older, they can post their own pictures and help keep a “daily diary” or other information to share with family members who may be far away.

Sharing movies and DVDs is another great way to stay in touch. When my own children were little, my sister (who is a professional actor) made them a video of her singing songs and reading a couple story books—she then sent those story books and the tape to her nieces and nephew and they would eagerly get out the tape and have a little song and story time with their aunt. She also made them cassette tapes of some of her favorite kid songs and her reading or telling stories. Even though she was 3,000 miles away, my kids formed a lasting bond and still consider her a big part of their growing up years. They don’t really realize that they only actually saw her in person occasionally since she put so much effort into building and maintaining the connections.

Letters, photos, artwork, even projects and puzzles that can be passed back and forth help kids feel connected to their larger family. Relatives can keep up with what’s going on in your children’s school or sports teams if there are websites online. The important thing is to encourage a connection that goes both ways, that way it helps to build and maintain a real relationship and everyone can benefit from feeling part of something bigger.