Bridging the Miles: Tips for the Relocated Family

"Will Grandma still come for my birthday?" "Will I have any more Friday night sleepovers with cousin Joey?" "Will Grandpa still take me fishing?"

Questions like these are common for children facing relocation away from their extended families. Increasingly, employees are rejecting bigger jobs with bigger salaries in order to keep the family together, notes Rita Goldhammer, co-author of "A Moving Experience", but for those who do relocate, there are several strategies for bridging the miles.

"You can keep the family close spiritually, if not geographically," Goldhammer asserts. "This issue is key to a successful relocation, and corporations are paying attention to the potential negative impact on families."

Goldhammer and her co-author, Margery Pabst, note that there are specific, actionable strategies that spell success for relocation. Furthermore, they believe families can -- and do -- strengthen their relationships if these specific strategies are followed:

Before You Move:

Establish a photo album for yourself and the family (grandparents etc.) you are leaving behind.
Plan to take photos regularly to exchange.
Create a video of your favorite family stories. Make sure everyone has a copy for viewing.
Plan for the next time you will get together. This will help everyone seeing each other.

When You Are Apart:

Collect clippings from papers, mementos from events in your new community to share with family when you see them.
Send information on school progress.
Establish a 1-800 number or shop around for best deals on long distance.
Make or buy gifts that contribute to ongoing projects i.e. a stuffed animal collection a model railroad.

When you are together:

Establish traditions. Make sure everyone gets to contribute to the building of the traditions.
Celebrate when you are together. If this means having Thanksgiving in August, great!
Celebrate multiple events. For example, celebrate all the birthdays that will be coming up when you are apart.
Develop a family diary in a loose leaf binder. Everyone can write when you are apart and then assemble the diary when you are together.
Meet at a midpoint (geographically) if traveling to a family household is too difficult.

According to Pabst's and Goldhammer's own research, families can grow stronger and closer as the result of a move when they enlist strategies such as those listed above. The authors central message to families "on the move": focus on the positive aspects of growth and development presented by a move. "That makes relocation most rewarding," Goldhammer concludes.

For more information, contact Pabst and Goldhammer at (612) 290-0205.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com

Return to News Index

About || Conference Center || Comments & Feedback || How to Join || Home

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

This site developed and maintained by SLACK Incorporated
Submit comments and questions to the Webmaster