Don’t Let Your Family Become Estranged with These Tips

It used to be very easy to lose track of family members. Snail mail took so long and not all homes had a landline. Now there is no excuse with email and cell phones. Whether it’s your family just around the corner from you or those on the other side of the world, don’t let them become estranged with these tips.

Call Them on a Regular Basis

Calling is one of the most common things now and it is so easy. You could even arrange a tariff with your phone provider if you need to phone a different country.

If you don’t live close-by arrange a phone call once or twice a week and alternate who calls to save money on the phone bill.

Visit When You Can

There is no excuse for not visiting family members if you live nearby. There will always be a time that suits both of you during the week.

You could arrange to meet for coffee or go shopping. You could help them move home or just pop over for a visit and chat.

If you do live far away, save up and arrange too visit every now and then. Depending on where you live this could be once a month or may have to be once a year.

Use Skype to Talk Face to Face

Calling is great but if you don’t live nearby it’s difficult to visit. Skype—or another type of video messaging—is a great option. You will need a computer and webcam but most computers come with these webcams installed.

One of the best things about this form of talking is its free and perfect for those overseas. You can also get all the family members together and do multiple calls.

Send Emails and Text Messages

You’ll be surprised by the amount of people who forget to use technology to contact family members.

Emails and text messages are extremely easy to send and receive. It only has to talk a few minutes out of your day to get in touch with family members. You can even send photos and share videos quickly.

Sit Down for a Meal Together

When you live close-by, you may start taking each other for granted. Even if you live in the same house, you may never see each other.

Make it a habit to have a meal together at least once a week. This doesn’t have to be at home!

Arrange Family Night

Another great idea is to have family night. It could be a night in watching movies or playing board games or you might decide to go on a trip out somewhere.

Spending time with each other is very important to build trust and a relationship.

Go on Holiday Together

Every now and then arrange a holiday with each other. This doesn’t have to be expensive or on the other side of the country!

You may decide to go camping as a family or hire a cottage somewhere nearby. What matters is that you get everyone together.