Being an OFW parent is tough, especially when you’re thousands of miles away from your kids. The good news? Video calls can help bridge that gap! This guide gives you practical tips and tricks to make your video calls meaningful, fun, and a real connection to your family back home.
Why Video Calls Are Super Important for OFW Families
Think of video calls as your virtual hugs and bedtime stories. Without being physically present, they are the best way to stay involved in your child’s life. Regular video calls help you see their smiling faces, hear about their day, and even witness those funny moments you’d otherwise miss. It’s more than just seeing each other; it’s about building and maintaining that parent-child bond despite the distance. According to research on transnational families, consistent communication is crucial for children’s well-being and their sense of family.
Making the Most of Limited Time: Planning is Key
Life as an OFW can be hectic. Chances are, you are working long hours and have limited free time. This means planning your video calls is super important. Don’t just assume you can call whenever you want. Discuss a schedule with your family beforehand. Find a time that works for everyone, considering time zone differences and everyone’s daily activities. This way, you ensure that both you and your child are available and ready to chat without distractions. For example, maybe after dinner on a Saturday works for you and when your child has just finished their homework.
Tips for Setting Up the Perfect Video Call Environment
A good video call starts with the right environment. No one wants to squint at a blurry screen or strain to hear you over background noise! First, find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. A simple, uncluttered background is also helpful, so your child can focus on you. Make sure the lighting is good, too. Avoid sitting with a bright light source behind you, as this can make your face appear dark. Natural light is best, if possible. Finally, test your internet connection beforehand! There’s nothing more frustrating than a choppy video or dropped call.
Engaging Your Child: Making Video Calls Fun and Interactive
It’s tempting to just ask, “How was your day?” But let’s be honest, that often gets a one-word answer: “Good.” To make video calls more engaging, here’s some advice.
Beyond “How Was Your Day”: Asking the Right Questions
Instead of generic questions, try something specific. Ask about a particular event at school, a game they played, or a friend they hung out with. For example, “I heard you had a spelling test today! How did it go?” or “Tell me about the funniest thing that happened in class today.” These open-ended questions encourage your child to share more details and feel more connected. Remember to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to what they say. This shows them that you are genuinely interested in their life.
Fun Activities to Do Together on Video Call
Video calls don’t have to be all talk! There are plenty of fun activities you can do together, even from a distance. You can read a book together, each taking turns reading pages. Play a simple game like “I Spy” or charades. Or, if your child is creative, you could even do a drawing session together, both working on the same theme. These activities make the video call feel more like quality time, rather than just a check-in.
Sharing Your Life: Show Them Where You Are
Don’t forget to share your life with your child! Show them your apartment, workplace, or even the view from your window. Talk about your work, your colleagues, and your daily routines. This helps them understand your life as an OFW and feel more connected to you. You can also share stories about your own childhood or funny experiences you’ve had. This makes you more relatable and strengthens your bond.
Tech Tips and Tricks for Smooth Video Calls
Technology can be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to video calls. These simple tips can help ensure your video calls go smoothly.
Choosing the Right Platform: Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, or Zoom?
There are so many video calling platforms available! Skype, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom are all popular options. Experiment to see which one works best for you and your family. Consider factors like video quality, reliability, ease of use, and data usage. Most platforms offer free video calls, but some may have limitations on the number of participants or duration of the call. Also, make sure your family knows how to use the platform and has the necessary software or app installed.
Troubleshooting Common Video Call Issues
Even with the best planning, technical issues can still arise. If your video is choppy or the audio is unclear, try these quick fixes: Check your internet connection strength. Close any unnecessary apps or programs that may be using bandwidth. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router. If the problem persists, try restarting your device or the video calling app. For audio issues, make sure your microphone is not muted and that the volume is turned up. A headset with a microphone can also improve sound quality and reduce background noise.
Using Props and Visual Aids: Making It More Engaging
Props and visual aids can make your video calls more engaging, especially for younger children. Hold up a toy or a picture book. Show them a souvenir you bought from your new city. You can even use a whiteboard to draw pictures or play games. These visual elements can help capture their attention and make the video call more interactive. For older children, you can use visual aids to discuss school projects, news articles, or even just share funny memes.
Addressing Emotional Challenges: Talking About Feelings
Being apart is hard on everyone. It’s not only distance in sight, but also distance in feeling. It is a common challenge because of the absence of physical touch. Acknowledge feelings and be open and honest.
Dealing with Homesickness and Sadness
It’s normal for both you and your child to feel homesick or sad during video calls. Acknowledge these feelings and validate them. Let your child know that it’s okay to miss you and that you miss them too. Talk about what you both miss about being together and brainstorm ways to stay connected in between calls. You can also encourage your child to talk about their feelings with other family members or friends. If your child is consistently feeling sad or withdrawn, it may be helpful to seek professional support.
Reassuring Your Child: You’re Still There for Them
Make sure your child knows that even though you’re far away, you’re still there for them. Tell them that you love them, you’re proud of them, and you’re always thinking about them. Reassure them that you’re working hard to provide for them and that you’ll be back home as soon as possible. You can also remind them of your future plans together, such as vacations or special events. This helps them feel secure and loved, despite the distance.
Talking About Difficult Topics: School Problems, Bullying, and More
Video calls can also be a safe space to discuss difficult topics. If your child is having problems at school, being bullied, or struggling with other challenges, encourage them to talk to you about it. Listen without judgment and offer your support and advice. Help them brainstorm solutions and reassure them that you’re there to help them through it. If the problem is serious, you may need to involve other family members, teachers, or counselors. Remember, your consistent presence and support, even from a distance, can make a big difference in your child’s life.
Maximizing Your Visit Home: Making the Most of In-Person Time
Your visits home are precious and infrequent, so it’s super important to make the most of them. Even if you have lots of catching up to do, schedule time for fun to solidify the video calls and the fun you’ve promised your children.
Planning Fun Activities and Creating Memories
Before your visit, talk to your child about what they want to do together. Plan fun activities that you can both enjoy, such as going to the park, visiting a museum, watching a movie, or going on a road trip. When you’re together, be fully present and engaged. Put away your phone and focus on creating memories with your child. Take lots of pictures and videos to capture these special moments and look back on them later.
Re-Establishing Routines and Spending Quality Time
While it’s important to have fun during your visit, it’s also important to re-establish routines. Participate in regular activities like mealtimes, bedtime stories, and homework help. This helps your child feel secure and connected to you. Spend quality time with your child, even if it’s just sitting and talking or cuddling on the couch. These small moments of connection can have a big impact on your relationship.
Preparing for Your Departure: Saying Goodbye Well
Saying goodbye is never easy, but it’s important to do it well. Talk to your child about your upcoming departure in advance, so they can prepare emotionally. Reassure them that you’ll be back again soon and that you’ll continue to stay connected through video calls. When the time comes to say goodbye, be honest and loving. Acknowledge their sadness and let them know that you’re sad too. Give them a warm hug and tell them that you love them very much. After you leave, make an effort to connect with them soon through a video call to reassure them that you’re still there for them.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about video calls with your children.
How often should I video call my child?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your child’s age, personality, and schedule, as well as your own availability. However, aim for at least a few times a week. Shorter, more frequent calls can be more effective than longer, less frequent ones. The key is to be consistent and make video calls a regular part of your routine.
My child doesn’t seem interested in video calls. What should I do?
It’s important not to push your child if they’re not interested in video calls. Instead, try to make the calls more engaging and fun. Use props, play games, or talk about topics that interest them. You can also try shortening the calls or scheduling them at a time when they’re more receptive. If your child continues to resist video calls, talk to them about why they don’t like them and try to address their concerns. It’s possible that they just need some time to adjust to the idea, or that they prefer other forms of communication, such as texting or sending photos.
What if my child is too young to engage in a conversation?
Even very young children can benefit from video calls. While they may not be able to carry on a conversation, they can still see your face, hear your voice, and feel your presence. Sing songs, read stories, or just make silly faces. These simple interactions can help strengthen your bond and reassure them that you’re still there for them. As they get older, they’ll gradually become more engaged in video calls and be able to participate in conversations and activities.
How can I handle time zone differences?
Time zone differences can be a major challenge for OFW families. The key is to find a time that works for both you and your family. Use online tools like Time and Date’s Time Zone Converter to calculate the time difference and find a suitable time window. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate your family’s needs. You can also alternate the time of the calls to ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate at a convenient time.
My child gets upset when the video call ends. How can I make goodbyes easier?
It’s normal for children to get upset when video calls end, especially if they miss you a lot. To make goodbyes easier, give your child a warning before the call ends. Let them know that you have to go soon and that you’ll talk to them again later. End the call on a positive note by saying something loving and reassuring. You can also plan a fun activity to do together on the next video call, so they have something to look forward to. Most importantly, be consistent with your video calls, so they know that you’ll always be there for them.
References
Here are the sources referenced in this article.
- Wiles, L., & Bondi, L. (2020). Transnational Family Practices. Journal of Family Theory & Criticism, 34(4), 311-321.
Don’t let distance define your relationship with your child. Start implementing these tips today and watch your video calls transform into meaningful connections. Even a small improvement in your communication can have a huge impact on your child’s well-being and your family’s bond. Remember, you’re doing a great job, and every video call counts! Start today: Schedule your next video call and make sure it’s the best one yet!
