For OFW parents, working abroad is never an easy decision. However, the undying dream of providing a better life for their families pushes them hard to make that difficult choice. Working abroad and leaving the children at home simply equates to missing their growing up years. There are countless stories about OFW children going astray, dropping out of schools, and getting involved in vices due to the absence of any or both of their parents. These tales often scare any OFW parent because, more often than not, these effects cannot be resolved regardless of how much you send money to the Philippines.
Nevertheless, proper rearing and guidance may still be done to these OFW children even if their parents are hundred of miles away from them. Distance from family has mostly become a pitfall in the exercise of parenting, but it cannot always be made as an excuse by absentee parents. As such, below are laid down suggestions on how to overcome this problem:
Explain to your children why you have to work abroad.
Even before leaving the family in order to work abroad, as a parent, it is your duty to explain and talk to your children why there is a need for such action. It is part of your responsibility to tell them the reasons on why you have to be gone for a while. It is even better to share your goals and responsibilities with them, like who will receive your remittances and work on the budgeting aspect when you begin to send money to the Philippines. Laying down your plans with them will make them feel involved as they become part of your decision-making process.
Explain to your children why you have to work abroad.
Even before leaving the family in order to work abroad, as a parent, it is your duty to explain and talk to your children why there is a need for such action. It is part of your responsibility to tell them the reasons on why you have to be gone for a while. It is even better to share your goals and responsibilities with them, like who will receive your remittances and work on the budgeting aspect when you begin to send money to the Philippines. Laying down your plans with them will make them feel involved as they become part of your decision-making process.
Talk to your children regularly.
Just as it is customary for you to send of money to the Philippines regularly, your communication to your children should also be as regular. There are free social sites like Skype that will serve as bridges for you to talk to your children. Make every conversation worthwhile. This will make them feel very important and loved. Never make excuses for not being able to talk to them. Spare at least 30 minutes or an hour a day to listen and talk about their lives. Regular communication with them is a foundation in being a good OFW parent.
Get involved in their daily activities.
Being away does not mean you no longer need to know their everyday activities. As much as possible, know the ins and outs of your children’s lives. Talk to your spouse or guardian about how your children are, their interests, and their problems. You can also call your children’s school directly and inquire about their studies and performance. When you are talking to your children, always encourage them to keep you updated about their lives. Get involve with their loves to show that you care.
Just as it is customary for you to send of money to the Philippines regularly, your communication to your children should also be as regular. There are free social sites like Skype that will serve as bridges for you to talk to your children. Make every conversation worthwhile. This will make them feel very important and loved. Never make excuses for not being able to talk to them. Spare at least 30 minutes or an hour a day to listen and talk about their lives. Regular communication with them is a foundation in being a good OFW parent.
Get involved in their daily activities.
Being away does not mean you no longer need to know their everyday activities. As much as possible, know the ins and outs of your children’s lives. Talk to your spouse or guardian about how your children are, their interests, and their problems. You can also call your children’s school directly and inquire about their studies and performance. When you are talking to your children, always encourage them to keep you updated about their lives. Get involve with their loves to show that you care.
Maximize your time with them when you are on vacation.
In time for your yearly vacation, it is a must that most of your days should be spent with your family, especially the children. Make your family vacation memorable by doing activities that your children will enjoy and love. Take note that you do not need to spend much to enjoy. It is all about the fun, laughter, and the bond you shared with them. Always leave your children with happy and fun memories so they will always look forward to your next vacation.
Parenting is different from providing. As you regularly send of money to the Philippines , it does not automatically follows that such action defines you as good parents. Remember that the love and care you shower your children know no distance.
In time for your yearly vacation, it is a must that most of your days should be spent with your family, especially the children. Make your family vacation memorable by doing activities that your children will enjoy and love. Take note that you do not need to spend much to enjoy. It is all about the fun, laughter, and the bond you shared with them. Always leave your children with happy and fun memories so they will always look forward to your next vacation.
Parenting is different from providing. As you regularly send of money to the Philippines , it does not automatically follows that such action defines you as good parents. Remember that the love and care you shower your children know no distance.
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