ALTHOUGH they are going to be away from home for three months, children in boarding schools need not be forgotten. Like the children at home, parents need to build a relationship with those who study away from home. So how do you stay close to your children when they are away?
Keep communication lines open: Some parents forget about their children the moment they send them off to school only to pick them at the end of the term. This will make them feel rejected and may result into unbecoming behaviour later in life. So make a call at least twice a week; write letters, send emails and do whatever you can to keep in touch with your child. This will help keep the emotional connection and the commitment to the values you have taught them.
Attend parents’ days: In most cases, the dates are known in advance. Put them down in your notebook and schedule a visit, no matter how demanding your job may be. If you work over the weekend, arrange for a stand-in for that day. It is one way of telling them they are important to you. But it also provides an opportunity to talk to your child about anything. Some parents cannot sustain a meaningful conversation with their children which is unfortunate. Visiting your child also helps you know their friends and teachers. You are also able to pick some information that is never told to you, intervene in a negative behaviour pattern on time. All this helps develop your child’s character.
Plan to take leave at least once a year when your children are on holidays. Being home with your children when you are not in a hurry helps you know how they are growing and developing. Spending time with them makes them happier and able to trust you.
Make their birthdays and any other success ventures a celebration point for all family members. This does not mean you splash what you do not have; for instance, a small, affordable cake can do.
Show them that what is important to them is important to you too. Inject the same enthusiasm in their siblings so that the whole family gives importance to each one’s birthday.
This enforces family unity and no matter where family members go, they will feel part of a family that loves and treasures them.
