Keeping in touch with your children

There are many different ways that you can keep in touch with your children when you are not with them. Young children in particular need regular interaction with both of their parents in order to form secure and stable attachment relationships. As children get older they are more flexible, but the younger the child, the more the child will need frequent contact with the parent they do not see as often, even if it is only for brief periods of time.

Mobile phone: Call or send a text message to keep in touch. Give them a mobile phone and/or a prepaid phone card so they can contact you.

Write a letter: It can be very important for children to have something to hold in their hands. Write letters addressed personally to your child.

Take photos when you are together and give your child copies to keep.

Send a postcard: Postcards are quick ways to let your child know you are thinking of them. You don't need much time to write a short message and address it to him or her. Pick some pictures that will please your child or even make some with photos of yourself.

Emails are a quick and easy way to stay in touch every day. You and your children can prepare the emails offline so it doesn't get too expensive.

Chat on the internetwith your child by downloading Skype software onto both of your computers - it is available on the World Wide Web for free and costs very little to use. You then need to organise regular times with your child(ren) to 'meet' over the internet. There are also cameras available that you can attach to your computers so you can see each other when you talk. There is also the opportunity to chat via chat rooms or social networks such as MSN, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. Consult a person who knows about Information Technology if these are some options for you.

Send a video tape or cassette, especially if you don't see your children very often. This can be a good way to keep in touch with your children. Seeing and hearing their parents, even if it is through a medium, can help children to maintain and develop their attachment to you and vice versa.

Attend their sporting activities, school concerts etc: This is a good way to show your children that you care about them and are interested in their welfare. Make sure that the Principal of your child's school sends you separate copies of School Newsletters, Schools Reports etc in the post.

Changes to your family Family law and separation Children and attachment Telling your children Supporting your children Parental conflict Family structures & parenting plans Parents living far from each other Keeping in touch with your children Age-specific considerations What is Family Violence Family Violence in Australia Myths & Facts about Family Violence Effects of Family Violence on children How to help your children Leaving a violent relationship Where to get support Feelings Looking after yourself	Keeping in touch with your children There are many different ways that you can keep in touch with your children when you are not with them. Young children in particular need regular interaction with both of their parents in order to form secure and stable attachment relationships. As children get older they are more flexible, but the younger the child, the more the child will need frequent contact with the parent they do not see as often, even if it is only for brief periods of time. Mobile phone: Call or send a text message to keep in touch. Give them a mobile phone and/or a prepaid phone card so they can contact you. Write a letter: It can be very important for children to have something to hold in their hands. Write letters addressed personally to your child. Take photos when you are together and give your child copies to keep. Send a postcard: Postcards are quick ways to let your child know you are thinking of them. You don't need much time to write a short message and address it to him or her. Pick some pictures that will please your child or even make some with photos of yourself. Emails are a quick and easy way to stay in touch every day. You and your children can prepare the emails offline so it doesn't get too expensive. Chat on the internetwith your child by downloading Skype software onto both of your computers - it is available on the World Wide Web for free and costs very little to use. You then need to organise regular times with your child(ren) to 'meet' over the internet. There are also cameras available that you can attach to your computers so you can see each other when you talk. There is also the opportunity to chat via chat rooms or social networks such as MSN, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. Consult a person who knows about Information Technology if these are some options for you. Send a video tape or cassette, especially if you don't see your children very often. This can be a good way to keep in touch with your children. Seeing and hearing their parents, even if it is through a medium, can help children to maintain and develop their attachment to you and vice versa. Attend their sporting activities, school concerts etc: This is a good way to show your children that you care about them and are interested in their welfare. Make sure that the Principal of your child's school sends you separate copies of School Newsletters, Schools Reports etc in the post.
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