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Living as an expat in the US can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be difficult to stay connected with family back home. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to bridge the distance and keep in touch with your loved ones. Here are 10 ideas to help you stay connected:
1. Video Calls
One of the easiest ways to stay connected with family back home is through video calls. Platforms like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom make it simple to see and talk to your loved ones in real time. Schedule regular video calls to catch up on each other’s lives and share important moments.
2. Send Care Packages
Sending care packages filled with items that remind you of home can be a great way to stay connected with your family. Include local treats, photos, and handwritten letters to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them.
3. Virtual Game Nights
Organize virtual game nights with your family back home to have some fun and stay connected. Platforms like Jackbox and Houseparty offer a variety of games that you can play together online.
Starting a shared hobby with your family back home can be a great way to stay connected. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or gardening, find a hobby that you can enjoy together from a distance.
5. Create a Family Blog
Start a family blog where you can share updates, photos, and stories with your loved ones back home. Encourage family members to contribute their own posts to keep the blog active and engaging.
6. Host Virtual Movie Nights
Host virtual movie nights with your family by streaming a movie or TV show together and chatting about it in real time. Platforms like Netflix Party and Teleparty allow you to sync your viewing experience with others.
7. Plan a Virtual Family Reunion
If you can’t be together in person, plan a virtual family reunion to catch up with your loved ones. Schedule activities like virtual tours, cooking classes, and game nights to make the reunion memorable.
8. Exchange Audio Messages
Exchange audio messages with your family back home to stay connected in a more personal way. Use platforms like WhatsApp or Voxer to send voice recordings, songs, or messages to each other.
Create a virtual cookbook with your family by sharing recipes and food photos with each other. Try cooking the same dishes at the same time to feel connected through food.
10. Send Surprise Gifts
Surprise your family back home with unexpected gifts to show them that you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s flowers, books, or handmade crafts, a thoughtful gift can go a long way in staying connected.
FAQs
How can I stay connected with my family back home as a US expat?
There are many creative ways to stay connected with your family back home, including video calls, care packages, virtual game nights, shared hobbies, and more. Find a method that works best for you and your loved ones.
What are some fun activities I can do with my family back home virtually?
Some fun activities you can do with your family back home virtually include hosting movie nights, planning virtual family reunions, exchanging audio messages, and creating a virtual cookbook. Get creative and find activities that bring you closer together.
How can I show my family back home that I care about them?
You can show your family back home that you care about them by sending thoughtful gifts, sharing updates and photos regularly, and actively participating in virtual activities together. Small gestures of kindness and consideration can go a long way in staying connected with your loved ones.
Staying connected with family back home as a US expat may require some effort and creativity, but the rewards of maintaining strong relationships are well worth it. Try out these 10 creative ways to stay connected and keep your bond with your loved ones strong, no matter the distance.
Adam Elliot Altholtz serves as the Administrator & Patient Coordinator of the “Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic”, along with his fellow Expats’ beloved ‘Dr. No Pain’, right here in Cuenca, Ecuador, and for purposes of discussing all your Dental needs and questions, is available virtually 24/7 on all 365 days of the year, including holidays. Adam proudly responds to ALL Expat patients from at least 7:00am to 9:00pm Ecuador time, again every single day of the year (and once more even on holidays), when you write to him by email at info@findhealthinecuador.com and also by inquiry submitted on the Dental Clinic’s fully detailed website of www.findhealthinecuador.com for you to visit any time, by day or night. Plus, you can reach Adam directly by WhatsApp at +593 98 392 9606 or by his US phone number of 1‐(941)‐227‐0114, and the Dental Clinic’s Ecuador phone number for local Expats residing in Cuenca is 07‐410‐8745. ALWAYS, you will receive your full Dental Service in English (NEVER in Spanish), per you as an Expat either living in or desiring to visit Cuenca by your Dental Vacation, plus also to enjoy all of Ecuador’s wonders that are just waiting for you to come arouse and delight your senses.