Building family relationships over distance

Raising a family can be very challenging when the rest of your family live overseas. It can be hard for your children to have close relationships with other family members when they live away. It can also be hard for you, not having close-by support from your loved ones.

Family members have an emotional bond. They often share the same values and goals.

Children benefit when they know their family members love each other and look after each other. This will help them develop their own strong relationships in later life.

It's important that they see healthy family relationships being kept — even when this is from a distance.

Even if they don't see them often, it is important for your relatives to tell your child that they are important to them and they love them.

What can I do to help build the relationships?

Keep your relatives up to date with:

• your child's life
• their interests
• their friendships
• their likes and dislikes

Try to share family rituals and milestones by video chat or phone, like:

• birthdays
• religious holidays
• other important events

What can my overseas family do to help build the relationships?

Your family may wish to:

• read your child a bedtime story via the internet
• send letters or cards by post — children love getting mail
• share links and photos — this can be done through private social media pages for your family

Technology

Technology can make it easier to build family relationships over distance. It can allow your relatives to still communicate with you regularly and be involved in your family life.

This helps to develop strong, positive relationships with your children.

These are some ways that you can use technology to stay in touch:

• call or video call at regular times
• send photos or short videos
• connect through social media
• send text messages or emails to stay connected

Short but frequent contact can help your family members feel involved.

Managing conflict over distance

Sometimes families who live apart might have differences of opinion. There can be conflict due to differences in:

• the health system
• cultural practices
• different views about parenting

Conflict is normal for all families. Families grow stronger when they work together to find ways of overcoming conflict.

It is important for children to see how you deal with conflict and listen to different opinions. This will help them become confident in dealing with conflict themselves.

Read more about managing cultural differences over raising children here.

Managing without family support nearby

Childcare

Without nearby support from your family, you may worry about how to care for your baby when you go back to work. However, there are a wide range of childcare choices in Australia.

The StartingBlocks.gov.au website can help you find childcare services in your area.

You may be eligible for help with fees. You can read more about the Child Care Subsidy here.

Meeting other families

There are many ways to meet other parents and build relationships.

Social media can also be useful. Look for local parenting groups and networks on Facebook. You can talk about any concerns you have with your baby. And you can make friends too.

Your child health nurse can also help put you in touch with a parent's group or playgroup.

You can also build relationships by being active in your community. You can try:

• volunteering
• joining your child's school community
• getting involved at your local place of worship

Activities for older children

Your local council will have information on children's activities that are available in your area. These groups and activities can give both you and your child the chance to make friends.

You can also visit the local library. Many libraries offer activities for children and parents, such as music sessions and storytelling. They often have information in different languages about things to do in your area.

You can also enrol your child in activities, such as:

• swimming
• gym
• sport

Resources and support

Visit Services Australia for information on support available when raising children.

Migrant resource centres or multicultural resource centres help new migrants and refugees to settle in Australia.

If you are a migrant, you can read more about support for migrants to Australia here.

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers support and advice on everything to do with having a baby. You can ask experts the questions you might normally ask your family about when raising a family.

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 for support and advice. You can use the Translating and Interpreting Service to call.

Adjusting to a new country - video

Video provided by Raising Children Network.