Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Staying close with family when you're far apart

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Whether you get married, relocate for a job, or are going to school, most people have family members who live far away. But even though you're apart, you can stay close to your immediate and extended family by simply putting a little more effort in staying in touch.
The following are a few things you can do to stay close with family when you're far apart.


Make family a priority.
You can still make keeping in touch with family a priority when you're far away. Schedule times to call family members on the phone to chat; for example, maybe you want to call your brother every Sunday, or your grandmother every other Tuesday. If you have a hectic schedule, making time for phone calls is important in ensuring that you stay in touch with family. This will help you to stay close to each other even when you're far apart.

Remember important events.

Get a calendar and write down important events in your family and extended family, such as birthdays, weddings or graduation dates. Then, when that date rolls around, be sure to make a phone call to let them know you are thinking of them on their special day. It's also a good idea to send a card a few days before. This is a great way to show them that you care about them and are mindful of them even when they are far apart.
Start a blog.
Many people have jumped on the blogging bandwagon, and blogs are a great way to keep family members updated on what's going on in your life and your family's lives for free. Sites like www.blogger.com are free to start up. Make it a point to blog once a week about you-what's going on with your kids, trips you've taken, and other things family will want to hear about. It's also a great way to post pictures. Send your family members links to your blog and encourage them to start their own.
Plan visits.
Traveling is expensive, but if you're planning family vacations, make it a point to try and do things in areas where you can see family. This is a great way to catch up face to face when you are living far apart.

Take advantage of phone plans.

Many cell phone carriers allow you to make unlimited calls to a certain number of people, even if they do not have the same provider as you. This is a great way to be able to keep in touch with family without having to worry about keeping track of your cell phone minutes.

Get kids involved.

Even if they don't see them very often, make sure your kids stay in touch with family as well. This could be coloring a picture for an aunt for her birthday, or sending thank you notes to family members who have given them gifts.

Send packages.

If you have a family member serving in the military or living overseas, sending care packages now and again is a great way to keep them up to date on what is going on at home, as well as show them that you love and care about them.
Moving away doesn't mean you can't stay close to your family. These are a few things you can do to stay close to your family even when you're far apart.

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