20 Ways to Stay Connected to Children
Many working parents feel overwhelmed with the guilt of seeing their kids less when fulfilling job commitments. You would feel much relieved and empowered if you read the article, When You Can’t Be There: 20 Ways to Stay Connected to Children written by Susan Newman, Ph.D.
10 ways are for you when you have to travel, for example:
1. Place a framed picture of you or the two of you on his dresser or night table.
2. Call more often then you think you should.
3. When calling to say goodnight, explain to your child what you would do if you were tucking him into bed. …………
I think the other 10 ways (the article on the site only listed 9 ways but I have them broken down into 10) for parents who have to work long hours are the most useful. For those who don’t have time to read the whole article, here is the quick look:
1. Eat breakfast with your child.
2. Arrive home half an hour or so earlier than usual to play outside before dark with your child.
3. Eat with your family together at least twice a week or more.
4. Select a game and play it with your child regularly.
5. Take your child to school now and then.
6. Don’t miss back-to-school night.
7. When your child least expects it, take him to the store and buy something he’s been longing to own.
8. Use chauffeuring time wisely: talk with your child instead of listening to the radio.
9. Cook something together at least once a month.
10. Being home and in the same room is often enough.
These 20 ways suggested by Susan are easy and handy to carry out. Some of them might sound familiar to you while others might be new but they worth trying.
When you can’t be there [about.com]