ConnectedApart. Launching in 7 Days. 12 July 2018. Stay tuned. Stay connected.
Are you a parent on a long-term mission or deployment with the armed forces, the United Nations, a regional or other organisation? Then you know better than most: being apart is seldom easy. But with the right amount of commitment, action and focus, you can make it an enriching, rewarding and positive experience for all. Stay connected and come home every night – virtually – with ConnectedApart’s free products and services, including practical, fun ideas like the one below:
Establish a ‘home hotline’
Invest in one dedicated, portable ‘hotline’, over which you and the children you love can interact while you’re apart. An iPad is ideal, with the largest screen possible (so the children you love can see more of you, literally!). Visit Amazon to purchase this item. Prepare your hotline in the following way:
- Strip the device of all unnecessary apps;
- Include your preferred choice of app/s for day-to-day communications (e.g. for text, phone and video calls) and place them in an easy to see spot on the device;
- Include a clock with the time zone of the place your travelling to;
- Set restrictions (parental controls), including with regard to your selected internet browser;
- Add a few bookmarks about the place to which your travelling;
- Add a home screen – and screen saver – with both your picture and pictures of you and the children you love;
- Add a folder of pictures of you;
- Add a folder of videos of you. Include a number of special video messages for the children you love, for example: day-to-day ups and downs; special occasions; and to mark major milestones during your time apart. Include videos of you reading books and/or singing their favourite songs, including any lullabies you might be in the habit of crooning;
- Plan regular interactions, including when you will call (see more ideas on calendaring at ConnectedApart.com on launch day, 12 July 2018); and
- Discuss online safety with the children you love (check out ConnectedApart’s dedicated page on ‘Online Safety for Children’ on launch day, 12 July 2018).
For more free ideas to stay connected with the children you love when you’re on a long-term mission or deployment, bookmark ConnectedApart.com and join the ConnectedApart Community on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and/or on Twitter. You can also sign up for ConnectedApart’s free idea-letter, delivered once-weekly, directly to your inbox.
But whatever you do, if you’re a parent on a long-term mission or deployment, just stay anchored, remember your preparation and focus on remaining available – ‘virtually’ and emotionally – while also having as much fun as possible with the children you love.
ConnectedApart. Launching in 7 Days. 12 July 2018. Stay tuned. Stay connected.
Website: connectedapart.com (bookmark it now: live on 12 July 2018)
Contact: contact@connectedapart.com
ConnectedApart 