It is a well-known fact that more mothers than fathers have their children living with them. The fortunate dads that are awarded to do so are few and far between. Depending on how the court sees fit, most children will be living apart from their fathers, but will have visitation as the parents come together and schedule. Hopefully, this is something that the parents of the children can agree upon and take into consideration the best interest of their children.
For the father or sometimes mother that must live apart from their children it is still very important to remain a constant in their lives. Although difficult, this can be done not only through frequent visitations, but also through several other means of communication. Creativity is an important factor in determining just how to do this.
With technology as wonderful as it is, communicating has become relatively easy. Some ways that you can communicate and stay connected with your children when they must live apart from you are listed below.
~Call your children every day. Try to establish a routine and make calls at approximately the same time each day. They will know to expect you and look forward to speaking to you. This makes your children feel more secure, as well as making them feel important to you.
~Put together a scrapbook, including pictures, receipts, special remnants and so on from each time you take them out somewhere special. Take pictures during your visits of special things that you do or make together. When they are older or even periodically you can present them with a scrapbook.
~You might consider a special night where you read to them before they go to bed. This could be done perhaps on the weekend. Buying the same book for each of you is ideal so that they can read along or look at the pictures. Establishing rituals such as this is important and children thrive on it.
~Get on the internet often and talk using webcams. You could also play online games together and look at different things on the web.
~Keep a written journal for each child writing down your thoughts and feelings, different things that you have done together that week, and your hopes and dreams for them. I know that men are not much for writing, but do it for your kids. You might even find that it is therapeutic for you as well. Your children will treasure reading this when they get older.
Living apart from your children was not what you had in mind when you first became a mother or a father, but unfortunately, it does happen. Although it will be discouraging at times, you can help to make things more bearable by focusing on the good things and making the most of the time that you do have with your children. By doing this, you will not only help your children to make the best of the situation, but you will be helping yourself as well.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.