Effective Ways to Sustain Relationships with Your Kids as an OFW
Big dreams demand big sacrifices. Some Filipino parents, willing to go the extra mile for their family, have to leave their children in the Philippines to earn a good fortune overseas. 1.96 Million Filipinos have to make this sacrifice, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s data from April to September 2023.
In 2023, women comprised the largest segment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), numbering at 1.06 million, with many engaged in elementary jobs such as domestic work. While these women are abroad, often caring for other families’ children, their offspring remain in the Philippines, yearning for their presence.
Male OFWs, including parents, also face the same dilemma of being separated from their families for work. The absence of a mother or father takes a toll on the children, but it weighs doubly heavy on the parents themselves. They miss significant moments in their children’s lives – from academic achievements to first experiences like riding a bike.
Despite the economic opportunities abroad, the emotional toll of being away from their families underscores the profound sacrifice that OFW parents make for their loved ones’ futures.
Who are OFWs?
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are the unsung heroes of many Filipino families, embodying sacrifice, love, and resilience. Driven by a deep desire to provide better lives for their loved ones, parents often make the heart-wrenching decision to leave their children behind and work abroad.
Despite the pain of separation, they embark on this journey with hope, knowing their sacrifices will pave the way for brighter futures. Whether as nurses caring for the sick, engineers building infrastructure, or caregivers nurturing the elderly, OFWs showcase unparalleled dedication and courage.
Their selflessness sustains families, sending remittances and messages of love, encouragement, and unwavering support. In the embrace of their sacrifice lies a profound love that transcends distance and time, inspiring generations and shaping the Filipino spirit.
Parenting Tips for OFWs
When an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) parent decides to work abroad, it’s often a bittersweet choice, driven by the desire to provide a better future for their family. While the prospect of higher income and improved opportunities beckons, the separation from their younger children weighs heavily on their hearts.
Despite the distance, OFW parents remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting their families back home, sacrificing their comfort for their loved ones’ well-being. The bond between an OFW parent and their younger children transcends borders, nurtured by constant communication and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In today’s interconnected world, many Filipino families face the reality of one or both parents working abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). While pursuing opportunities overseas can lead to a brighter future for the family, it often comes with the challenge of maintaining strong relationships with children from a distance.
But fear not, OFW parents, for there are ways to bridge the gap and nurture meaningful connections with your children despite the miles that separate you.
Help your children understand
Even when you must travel abroad for your children’s future, it is important to help them understand your plans. You can do this by talking to them regularly before leaving the country. Let them know that you will return for vacation and that they can always contact you, even by phone, whenever they need to talk to a parent.
Make them aware that they can also communicate their needs to another family member, like your spouse or grandparent, who can take care of them in your absence. Moreover, listening to their feelings and respecting their opinions is important. This way, your kids will feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with you even when you’re away.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the mental health challenges that come with long-distance parenting. Being away from your children can evoke feelings of guilt, loneliness, and anxiety.
It’s okay to seek support from fellow OFWs, counselors, or support groups who understand your unique struggles. Remember to prioritize self-care and find healthy ways to cope with stress, ensuring that you’re in the best possible mindset to support your children from afar.
Utilize online platforms to bond through Video Calls
Instantaneously, leveraging video calls can be a lifeline for OFW parents. Make it a priority to schedule regular video calls with your children, where you can see their faces, hear their voices, and share precious moments together. Whether reading bedtime stories, helping with homework, or simply catching up on each other’s days, these virtual interactions can help maintain a sense of closeness and involvement in their lives.
Fortunately, costly long-distance calls are replaced by free and Internet-enabled communication services like Facebook, Messenger, and Skype, which can help you connect with your children. Amid time zones, set a time for a family video call when your children can share how their day went and their plans for the day or two after. Make this an opportunity to make them feel your presence even if you are not beside them. Most importantly, affirm your love for them, and don’t hesitate to say, “I love you.”
Further, online platforms can offer more than calls. You can now stream movies and online videos with your children, opening more conversations between you and your family. In addition, you need not sit in your living room to play games with your children. Given your distance, you can enjoy playing together through online games as a form of bond. In an era where technology allows us to connect
Stay involved
As a parent, it’s important to do more than just keep in touch with your kids. While staying updated with their day-to-day lives is helpful, getting involved and learning more about who they are and what they do is even more valuable.
During conversations, ask about their interests and hobbies, who their best friends are, and their favorite subjects in school. You can also assist them with their schoolwork, even online. Knowing their interests and rewarding their positive traits with simple gifts can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with them.
Even if you’re miles away, you can still stay actively engaged in your children’s academic journey by keeping informed about their progress, communicating with their teachers, and offering support whenever needed. By showing genuine interest in their education, you can empower your children and reinforce the importance of learning and growth.
Ask for a Family Member’s Help
Sustaining relationships as an OFW goes beyond just connecting with your children. It also involves fostering open communication with other family members who may provide care in your absence.
Whether it’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, or trusted caregivers, ensure everyone is on the same page regarding parenting values and goals. Consistency and collaboration among family members can provide stability and support for your children, even when you’re not physically present.
It is important to have the support of your spouse or a guardian when sustaining your relationship with your kids. Just as you communicate with your children regularly, talking to the guardian is essential.
Address your child’s concerns with the guardian and make them your ally. You and the guardian can work together to instill discipline if your children misbehave. If your children are going through a tough teenage phase, ensure you are present to guide them with the guardian’s help.
The guardian can also help you stay involved in your children’s lives by including you in daily conversations and keeping your memories alive by showing them your photos and talking about your family experiences.
It can be challenging to hear about your children’s mistakes and flaws directly from them, so in such cases, it is best to seek the help of their guardians. It is also advisable to minimize scolding them as it can create a wide gap between you. Parental involvement in your children’s education is another crucial aspect to consider.
Pray Together
Maintaining a strong relationship with a higher power is crucial for keeping your family together. It is important to find time to practice your faith and pray together, even if it’s just over the phone.
Introducing your children to God or any other higher power you believe in is essential to set them on the right path. Knowing that your children will stay on the right track even if you are not there to guide them in person will give you peace of mind.
Moreover, investing in a real estate property can also bring peace of mind while you are overseas. By securing a roof over your children’s heads, you can rest assured that they are safe and comfortable. You work hard to provide the best life for your children, and investing in a property is a fitting way to ensure their well-being.
Collect Unforgettable Moments During Your Vacations
When your long-awaited vacation arrives, it’s time to plan some exciting and enjoyable activities for you and your children. Since you already know their interests and preferences, you can prepare something they will always cherish.
For instance, you can book a stay at a resort your child has been dreaming of or reserve a seat at a concert of their favorite artist. Although your vacation may be short, you can create unforgettable memories that your kids will treasure forever.
While you can travel anywhere during your vacation, sometimes the best moments are the ones you spend at home. Bonding time is best enjoyed inside your comfortable and spacious unit with Camella Homes.
Create memories with Camella
Camella is the top housing brand in the Philippines that specializes in designing homes catering to Filipino families’ needs. The company prioritizes the safety and comfort of your family, whether you’re away for work or on vacation at home.
In any of Camella’s premier communities, your children are safe and secure with access to green spaces and various amenities. CCTVs and roving guards constantly monitor the gated communities to ensure round-the-clock security. Owning a house and lot in the Philippines, even while abroad, is possible with Camella. Check out their available properties on their website.
Sustaining relationships with your children as an OFW requires dedication, creativity, and resilience. While the distance may pose challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth, resilience, and love. By prioritizing quality time, parental involvement, and open communication, you can nurture strong bonds that withstand the test of distance and time.
So, to all the OFW parents out there, continue to be present in your children’s lives, even from across the oceans, and watch as your love transcends borders, enriching the lives of your family for years to come.
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