Home may be feeling a bit empty because your child is out discovering the world. Whether your kid is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a friend, away at camp, or country-hopping in Europe, you have more ways to keep in touch than ever. Here are some ideas on how to say, “I’m thinking of you,” when your child is far away. Just pace yourself, parents.
Send photos and videos from home
What’s normal and annoying in the everyday can quickly become humorous and touching when you’re away from home. Take a few minutes to record videos or send quick photos of what’s happening around the house and with siblings. Give an update from a pet’s point of view.
Don’t forget gifts, supplies and money
If you can get the timing right, send gifts or supplies to destinations so they greet your child upon arrival. Whether your kid is taking a course, or visiting relatives, a caring gesture from home can keep everyone close. If you want to send money, the Western Union app lets you transfer money to over 200 countries and territories, and more than 500,000 locations. So, your child (if over 18) can pick up the money at one of these many locations, or you can transfer money directly into their bank account or certain mobile wallets1.
Video chat with you, family, and pets
Set up a regular time for video chats if your child likes structure. A face-to-face you both can count on will bridge the distance until you’re together again. Skype, FaceTime, and other video chats will let you see each other as often or as little as you like. If you’re new to video chatting, download any software and practice with your devices before your child leaves on the trip.
Share a song or vide
See something online you know would crack up your kid or connect in a way that only family members would understand? Send a favorite song, a comedian’s clip, or a meme to the whole family so they know you’re thinking of them. This is a great way to stay in touch without staying too much in touch!
Watch together
Sometimes we miss just being in the same room or knowing the other family member is close by. If that’s the case, watch videos together with SharePlay or another app. No, you can’t sit next to each other on the sofa, but you can laugh together or pause play to critique implausible plot lines.
Keep up with their social media
If your child is on social media, then chances are you’ll be able to see photos and posts of all their adventures. Without over-doing it, you can drop a heart, like, or occasional comment, just like any other “friend.” If your son or daughter hasn’t been on social media, this might be a good time to start. It’s an informal way to say, “Hey, I’m here and life is going ok.” And it can work both ways. If you’re both on Instagram or TikTok, you can easily see what each other is up to.
Plan a visit
If they’ll be gone for a while and it’s feasible, plan a visit to meet them mid-trip. It will be a nice break. Treat them to a hotel room or a hot shower if they’ve been roughing it. Or a nice meal and some family time if they’ve been on their own.
1 Funds will be paid to receiver’s mWallet account provider for credit to account tied to receiver’s mobile number. Additional third-party charges may apply, including SMS and account over-limit and cash-out fees. Funds availability subject to terms and conditions of service. See Mobile Form for Restrictions.
