How to Keep a Long Distance Relationship With a Child

A long distance relationship can be challenging to both children and adults. The important thing is to keep in touch with the child and make him feel that he's still part of that family. Remember that your children need constant nourishing from both parents.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to your child on the telephone often. It is important to talk to your child at least once every day or two. These conversation will embed you in the child's everyday life.

2. Write your child a letter. Even if he cannot read, he will be excited to just receive a letter in the mail. Mom, dad or another adult can read the letter to the child. Ask the child to reply. Even if he cannot write, he can scribble or draw on a piece of paper.

3. Email your child. Many children love the adventure of navigating around the computer and finding their names on emails. Have an adult read the email to the child if she cannot, and then the adult can respond with an email.

4. Send photographs frequently. Make your child feel special by sending her updated photos every couple of months so she can see how you are changing. Ask the child to send pictures so you can see how she is growing.

5. Visit your child. Schedule a visit when you know she will be available to spend time with you. Plan activities that your child will remember. Spend as much time together as possible.

6. Invite your child to your home. Talk about where you live, people involved in your new life and discuss all the things you can do while your child visits.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot talk daily, set up a schedule that you and your child can commit to.
• Tell your child that even though you are not together in person, you are always together in your heart.
• Be careful what you say to your child. Hurt feelings are even harder to heal over distance.

[Frankiesblue7]

on 1/1/2009 Thank you so much for writing this article! You are absolutely right. My ex-husband lives in another state and he has become a "holiday and birthday" dad. He does not call or stay in touch on a regular basis. This left my daughter feeling hurt and rejected. Not to mention the very awkward phone calls on Christmas and birthdays. Since he didn't stay in her life on a regular basis through phone calls, emails, letters,etc. he had no idea who she was anymore or what was going on in her life.

[taskeinc]

on 9/10/2008 Thanks for sharing .. you always want to keep the lines of communication open.