Chicago Mom Reveals Secret To Staying Connected With Busy Kids
Sponsored content provided by Best Buy
The way that we communicate with those we love has changed exponentially. As it does, parents are finding new ways to stay connected with busy adult children and grandchildren and maintain a positive connection. With good Wi-Fi and the right technology apps, moms can stay in touch with their loved-ones.
Carol Doodeman is the mother of two adult sons, grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters and educator for thirty years. She has often struggled with ways to keep connected when she is home and misses being a part of her children and grandchildren's everyday lives. Although she feels technology to be foreign to the ways she grew up and kept in contact with people she cared for, she understands that letter writing is going by the wayside and regular phone calls can be difficult to schedule.
Through Carol's need and desire to keep in contact with not only her adult children but also her grandchildren, she has found these five pieces of technology and apps to help stay connected and good wi-fi makes her family connection even better.
"Email has been an effective way to keep in contact, as it seems to be a vehicle that is least scary to me and is not as intrusive as a phone call. It is not as controlled by time. I can connect with my child or grandchild about things that don’t need immediate attention. This is also a great way for me to pass on more detailed information such a plane reservations and itineraries of where I will be when traveling."
Texting
"Texting is wonderful, as I can get a more immediate response and have an immediate conversation. My children and grandchildren prefer texting to talking. I can also text and receive pictures immediately so my family and I can both take part in each other’s lives simultaneously. Almost as if we are together."
"When Facebook was first introduced, it seemed it was widely used by the younger generation. However, I have gotten on board and found that it is a great way to communicate. There I can share pictures, comments and can even instant message (IM) for a more immediate response."
Facetime
"I am new to Facetime, but it a wonderful way to keep in touch because I can have the visual connection. I can hear my family's voices and see their smiles. It used to be that our family would gather at our house on a Sunday and 'connect.' Since this is sometimes impossible today, Facetime is the next best thing. I have even helped my granddaughters study for upcoming tests using Facetime. It’s a great way to help out and show them how important their education is and how I want to help them be successful."
"Instagram is one of the newer technologies I am using to keep in touch. It is a picture sharing service and a great way to share experiences without a lot of words. Nothing says communication like pictures of my loved ones."
Keeping connected with busy kids and grandkids can be challenging, but parents shouldn't be afraid to try some new technologies. There are so many places that can help, including community colleges. Technology shines in everyone's busy life today, and it is a beautiful way to stay connected. With quality wi-fi, worrying about your connection and drops are a thing of the past.
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She is also proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com, MichelleGuilbeau.com and bestchicago.blogspot.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
