10 Ideas for Long-Distance Families
I recently ordered prints from our last eight years of living overseas (way too long of a time not to print photos, by they way.) As I was sifting through a couple thousand pictures trying to decide which images to print, I came across photos of activities that our son’s grandparents had planned. Every time I see those photos gratitude and relief wash over me because our son was still able to have a relationship and fun memories with his grandparents, even though we lived seven time zones away from them! Sure, it would have been nice to have them physically present more often, but when I look at my photos and can practically hear the squeals of delight, I know that his experience was no less special than anyone else’s; perhaps even unique!
So, in honor of long-distance families everywhere, here are some ideas to get your love and personality pushed through the barrier of miles (and maybe even sail past the oceans between you). Some of these are best initiated by doting grandparents, and some of these are great when proposed by families with kids.
[info_list icon_color=”#c4d188″ font_size_icon=”24″ connector_color=”#c5d188″ connector_animation=”fadeInUp”][info_list_item list_title=”Share an Activity on a Video App” list_icon=”Defaults-video-camera”]Do an activity with them via video conferencing (Skype, FaceTime, Hangouts, Viber, Whatsapp). Send them all the materials they’ll need (tip: buy two of everything and keep one set of materials with you). Arrange a time to video conference, keeping in mind the time difference. Once you’re both in front of the webcam, go step-by-step through the activity with them. At the end of your time you will both have a tangible souvenir of your experience. Activity Ideas: Make slime from scratch; create a zoo out of play-dough; bake cookies from a family recipe; solve a puzzle; play a game (you’ll need to move each other’s pieces on your own board); decorate holiday cookies.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Scavenger Hunt” list_icon=”Defaults-edit pencil-square-o”]Send a scavenger hunt list. Have them document the hunt with photos, and then arrange to see the photos for the first time with them over Skype (or another video app) so you can hear them laugh as they tell their stories of the hunt.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Join Them for a Meal” list_icon=”Defaults-spoon”]Eating with a computer at the table is a fun out-of-the-ordinary experience, especially when you offer to share your food with the web cam! Pick a meal that you have on a regular basis and (as much as possible) always have the same virtual guest over. For example, every time we made toasted cheese sandwiches, we would Skype with grandma. Now when we eat toasted cheese sandwiches we think of her![/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Become Pen Pals” list_icon=”Defaults-envelope-o”]Everyone loves to get mail in their actual mailbox, so send letters back and forth! Choose an daily experience to describe to help the other visualize your day. Pick something to include in your letters ever time – like a joke, something flat to slide in the envelope (a feather, a leaf, a bookmark, or a comic strip), or a story of something funny that a pet or a family member did. This will give the two of you a tradition to build on.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Start a Private Book Club” list_icon=”Defaults-book”]Choose books that are engaging for the child and they’ll love talking about it with you the next time you get to chat with them on a video app. You’ll laugh about the “remember when” stories that the main characters were involved in, and if you choose a series, you’ll anticipate together what will happen in the next book.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Do a Bible Study” list_icon=”Defaults-pencil”]For older kids that share your faith, you could complete a Bible study together. Work through the material at your own pace throughout the week, and then conference (video or phone) once a week to review the discussion questions with them. If those kids happen to be in language study overseas, you could have them reference a few verses in their target language and ask if that gives them a new perspective on what the Scripture is communicating.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Spirit Week” list_icon=”Defaults-bullhorn”]Create your own “Spirit Week” where each day of the week requires a different theme for your outfit. Be sure to post photos in a shared album so you can see all your “funny hat” days together. This is great to do with all the grandkids at the same time so they can share in an experience together.[/info_list_item][info_list_item list_title=”Send a “Just Because“ Package” list_icon=”Defaults-gift”]Send a “just because” package with seasonal (preferably non-meltable) treats and decorations; especially if your family lives overseas. The changing of seasons does not look the same outside of your home culture. Something as simple as seasonal paper napkins can create a lot of conversation at the dinner table! Go the extra mile and include a story of your childhood in that particular season.[/info_list_item][/info_list]
- Posted by hellobabs
- On September 5, 2017
- 0 Comment
