Leaving the nest is hard, especially when you have elderly parents. It is natural to feel guilty for leaving them behind and worry about their well-being. But with the advent of technology, staying emotionally present and connected with your parents has become easier than before. Now, there are so many ways we can keep in touch with our parents, from video calls to sending care packages and more.

If you’re thinking of making this decision but worry that you won’t be able to be as present here, we present you four different ways you can stay connected when your loved one lives miles away:

Take Advantage of Technology

Technology will be your ally during this whole process. The first thing you need to do is make sure your parents have access to a good internet service and a device they can use to reach out to, whether it’s a desk computer or a smartphone. If your parents are elderly, we recommend a desk computer as there will be less of a wall to overcome; smartphones, tablets, or other devices may be confusing to them, and they may not want to use them. 

Nowadays, you can do phone calls, face time, WhatsApp, iMessage, emails, and much more. Internet and a smart device is the number one thing we recommend for long-distance relationships. 

Moreover, technology can even help you continue to have fun together as many online games allow several players. Quality time is not only about phone calls, it’s also about doing stuff you both enjoy.

Care Packages

Care packages are an amazing option if you can’t visit often. They show your loved ones how much you care, even when you can't be there in person. Whether it's a birthday present, a holiday gift, or just a surprise to let them know you're thinking of them. You can customize each package to include snacks, postcards, and any other item you think they may need or enjoy.

Stay Connected to Your Other Relatives (especially if they live nearby)

It's natural for parents to want to protect their children from worry, and sometimes this leads them to tell lies. However, this can make it difficult for you to stay connected with your parents. One way to combat this is by reaching out to other family members or friends who honestly tell you if they’re feeling ok or if they need anything.

Tokens

Tokens are a great way to show someone that you care about them. They may not have any financial value, but they can still be meaningful and memorable. Tokens can be anything from a keychain to a piece of jewelry, or even something as simple as a handwritten note. Whatever the token is, it will always remind the recipient of how much you care about them. By giving your parents a token, you are showing them that they are important to you and that their presence in your life is valued, and that no matter where you are they will always have you. Sometimes less is more, and tokens are just that - something small with a big meaning.

Our favorite lond distance relationship token is our No Matter How Far Keychain Set