Long Distance Relationships

It can be difficult to maintain long distance relationships. It is easy to let life get in the way and become too busy to connect with far away loved ones. However, more and more families today are forced, for various reasons, to live with distance between them.

If you have close friends or family members who live far away use these fun and creative ideas to keep in touch and feel connected.

Take Advantage of Technology

Technology has come a long way. When distance separates you from your loved ones, take advantage of technology to stay in touch.

In this age of cell phones, video phones, digital cameras and the internet, keeping in touch with friends and family is easy.

• Set up a regular call schedule. Hearing each other's voices is the best way to communicate. Many phone companies offer free long distance - especially for cell phones. Find a long distance plan that fits your needs and schedule a regular time, whether it is once per week or once per month, to talk to your loved ones.

• Email often. When you can't see each other regularly, keeping up with the day to day happenings in life can be a great way to feel connected. If your child says or does something cute or funny, share it with your friends. Send them an email to tell them about your big promotion. Sending a quick note just to say hello can brighten someone's day.

• Send e-cards. Keeping the lines of long distance communication open is always fun when you send or receive a card right in your email inbox! Don't wait for a special occassion to send a card. Send one just because.

• Create an online photo album. There are several websites offering free photo album services. Simply register, upload your photos and provide the link to your friends. It's that easy! If you don't have a digital camera just take your prints to a copy shop and have them scanned to a disk. Also, for under $10.00 at any drug store you can purchase a disposible camera with a digital option. When you bring the camera in for developing you will have the option to receive the prints on a disk at no extra charge!

• Create an online journal to keep your loved ones updated. There are many websites offering free journals. They can even be password protected for privacy and safety.

Long Distance Relationships With Children

My parents live in a different state than I do, but that has not stopped them from maintaining a close relationship with their grandson. Here are some creative ways to maintain a long distance relationship with a child.

• Color across the miles. Find a coloring book with pictures that the child would be interested in. Rip out a page and color a small section of it. Then mail it to the child so that he or she can color a little bit and mail it back to you. You can continue mailing the picture back and forth until it is completed.

• Send mail. Every child loves to receive their very own mail. Send cards for every holiday and occassion. Place the cards in brightly colored envelopes. Tell the child that you have sent them something and tell them what color the envelope is. The child will be excited to check the mail every day and watch for that special envelope just for them.

• Capture it on video. If you are the parent of a young child with out-of-state grandparents, videos are a great way to help the grandparents feel connected with your child. Pull out the video camera often and film a little bit of your child's life. It doesn't have to be a special occassion, just an ordinary day. Send the videos for the grandparents to enjoy, watch their grandchildren enjoying life and help them feel connected.

Maintain your long distance relationships, have fun and stay connected.