How to Keep Your Family Close Even When You're Far Away

There are circumstances that lead many families to make the choice of living in separate cities or states apart. It could be a job offer, a college, spouse's job, or just a preference that leads families to live far apart. Regardless of the cause it is important to remain close at a distance. It will not be easy, and at times it will feel frustrating. At first when you move or your family moves you will possibly go through a grieving experience. Regardless of how much time was spent prior to the relocation with your family you will realize that just the comfort of knowing they were near by is now gone. It will more than likely cause a feeling of uneasiness. The separation could be easier if you have other family members in your area that will still be there for support, family dinners, etc. If you are the one that moved away from family and have possibly moved to a new state or city where there are no other relatives that will be a tough transition for you.

I have experienced living apart from my family on a few separate occasions for many different reasons. I find myself in this situation again as well. My siblings and parents moved to Florida last year and my husband and I moved to North Carolina due to job relocation.

There are some things that help ease the distance and can keep your relationship close. Hopefully if you are experiencing this you will find some of these suggestions helpful.

First thing is first. Find a long distance plan that allows you unlimited long distance calls. There are several out there. You can also try to switch to the Voip technology that allows unlimited long distance calling. If you do not have a land line it would be a good idea to evaluate your cellular provider's phone plan and get the best plan for your needs.

Set up a web page (I suggest www.myfamily.com) designated to share pictures, family news, add events such as birthdays and it also has its own e-mail and chat.

Depending on how much technology driven your family is I would recommend a web cam on both ends so you can have live chats. That would especially be special for the children in your house if you have any.

If you have video cameras try to video the children at least every few months and send it to your family members. Children grow fast and it is good to share that growth on a continual basis.

You can create online slide shows to e-mail to your family. I often use www.rockyou.com and there is no charge and you can save and modify your pictures and create your own special touch to it.

It goes without saying that planning several visits is the best way to keep in touch and stay close. However it is not always as easy as it sounds. It depends on everyone's financial situation and how close in proximity you are to each other. Sometimes there are restrictions with the jobs and the time off allowed. There are so many variations for each situation and family.

Allow the children to speak to the family frequently if they are old enough. Children can quickly grow unattached as they experience a length of time between visits. My daughter is so shy that it is highly possible for her to remain shy the majority of the visit and right about the time we are scheduled to leave she will then decide to open up. I have found keeping the lines of communication open for her through telephone conversations has helped her tremendously.

Encourage the children to mail pictures they have drawn or colored. Get them accustomed to wanting to send the family recent pictures or share good news.

Be creative. Be open to ideas. Don't let life get in the way. Take time to keep your lines of communication open and consistent in whichever way works best for you and your family. Family is the most important aspect of our lives. There are times when we allow life or career to take priority over all others. Try new ideas and make the most out of all the technology we have readily available to help you maintain your family closeness.