Staying connected to family abroad

Collaborative Post | In the modern era, it’s possible for different members of a given family to spread themselves across the world, while still remaining in touch with one another. If you feel like your family is growing apart physically, perhaps as a parent or grandparent currently mooching around an ‘empty nest’, then you might employ one of a variety of techniques to retain a sense of connection.

Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Send handwritten letters and personal gifts

​Digital communication is amazing, in that it’s free and extremely convenient. But that also comes with a cost, in that digital communications don’t feel special. Rather, they feel disposable.
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If you want to really send a message of love and affection, then a physical package containing a handwritten letter might be just the way to do it. You might include thoughtful gifts, like family photos, recipes, and even drawings. The right parcel from a loved one can brighten even the gloomiest day!

Schedule regular video or phone calls

Getting the best from your video calls with loved ones in foreign countries tends to mean scheduling them, as you would any other real-world social engagement. You might, for example, touch base for thirty minutes on a Thursday evening.
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Taking this approach will mean that you always have time to check in. You might use this time to read stories to grandchildren, or to help them with homework. Or, you might have a freeform chat about the challenges of daily life.

Celebrate milestones from afar

Certain events, like birthdays, promotions, and graduations, deserve to be marked. You can do this with the help of a recorded message, or a special gift. You might even come up with your own special way to mark an occasion, like a video toast or a slideshow filled with much-loved photographs.

Plan visits or offer travel support

There’s no substitute for touching base in person every once in a while. Even an infrequent visit is better than no visit at all. Use the time you spend with your family wisely, and book any activities well in advance.

If you want to give your children or grandchildren the chance to visit you, then an international money transfer can be a great way to make it happen, especially if you know that money is really tight.

Share family culture and legacy

When families are spread over a wide area, the traditions and histories that bring them together can be easily diluted – or lost entirely. Passing on little pieces of family culture can help you to create a sense of legacy that endures, even when family members are spending months, or even years, apart from one another.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.