"Bayani," as they were commonly known, represent a significant portion of the Filipino population, not only with their undeniable contributions to the nation's economy but also with the unwavering sacrifice that they make. Leaving their country of origin and working in a very different place for foreigners and transnational families, these brave men and women leave their homeland to seek better employment opportunities abroad. The very main reason is often the aim of providing a brighter future for their families back home. One of the greatest challenges faced by OFW parents working abroad is maintaining a strong connection with their children while being so far away.
Exploring the various ways OFWs keep in touch with their children while working abroad would emphasize the importance of maintaining familial bonds despite being in a long-distance relationship. The following are some tips that every OFW parent with children left behind might consider to upkeep their bonds, turning negative impacts into positive effects.
Easy access to the Internet is a sweet spot!
In today's digital age, video calls have become an indispensable tool for OFW parents to bridge the physical gap between absent mothers and fathers and their children. Platforms like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime allow each family member to cope with a parental absence by seeing and hearing each other in real-time, fostering a sense of closeness and warmth that breaks distance. Whether it's sharing daily experiences, reading bedtime stories, or simply saying "I love you," video calls are a lifeline. Emotional distress, mental health problems, and other negative effects of parental migration can somehow lessen the lack of emotional connection.
Keep up with Virtual Presence
Social media platforms, especially Facebook (in the context of Filipino migrant parents), have transformed how OFW children keep in touch with their Filipino parents. They can create profiles that share their experiences, photos, and updates with their children. These virtual spaces become a window into their parents' lives, making them feel like they are partaking in the journey. Additionally, one parent or both parents can keep tabs on their children's lives through these platforms, offering support and encouragement when needed.
Messaging apps in lieu of video calls
Messaging apps like Facebook Messenger provide a constant connection between OFWs and their children, especially for those who are in rural areas. Quick messages (text and voice) and photos are the best things to be exchanged throughout the day, allowing one parent to stay updated on their children's activities and offer guidance when necessary. These apps also serve as a platform for spontaneous conversations and sharing small, everyday moments that make a big difference in maintaining emotional bonds with other family members.
Stick to the OG Phone Calls
Traditional phone calls still remain a popular way for OFWs to stay in touch with their children and other relatives. Hearing a familiar voice can provide comfort and reassurance and help express emotions, especially for younger children who may not fully grasp the concept of video calls or perhaps the social costs of working abroad. Regular phone conversations help maintain a sense of personal parenting, routine, and closeness that is essential for children's emotional well-being.
The magic of snail mail still sparks.
In this digital age of instant communication (thanks to the internet), the charm of traditional letters still holds a special place in the hearts of many OFW children. Sending letters and postcards from abroad carries a personal touch that digital messages cannot replicate, even made stronger by the concept of family separation. These tangible signs of love can become cherished keepsakes for family relationships between both parents and children.
It is also important to note that other countries are very strict with social media use, so a letter might be the only option to lessen the significant difference in emotions, especially between parents and older children.
Creative and Innovative Ways to Stay Close
OFW parents are also constantly finding innovative ways to stay emotionally close to their children. Beyond the conventional modes of communication mentioned above, they are breaking new ground in maintaining that strong bond that once faded. There is this thing called "virtual storytelling." One or both parents record themselves reading stories and send these videos to their children (or children's caregivers), creating a virtual bedtime routine. This imaginative act not only maintains a sense of closeness but also ensures that the cherished tradition of storytelling continues, reinforcing the cultural and familial ties that are so essential in Filipino households. Not only that, it also helps in creating a better understanding of the nature of why working overseas does not only have a negative impact but a positive impact in the long run as well.
Living in the same emotional space
OFW parents can also explore other creative avenues, such as participating in joint hobbies or activities through the internet. For instance, parents and children can engage in virtual cooking or art sessions, sharing their passions and interests in the same emotional space. These shared experiences foster a sense of togetherness, uplift self-esteem, and allow families to create new memories despite the physical distance. Through this innovative approach, each Overseas Filipino worker continues not only in terms of economic benefits but also strengthens the emotional connections with their children, making them feel cherished and valued even when separated by thousands of miles.
And speaking of living in the same space, OFWs might also consider investing in property so that when the time comes for their retirement, they can ensure quality time with their children.
In the Philippines' summer capital, Baguio City, Canyon Hill is the newest property development that is close to prestigious academic institutions and well-known city landmarks.
Future residents will awaken to a view of the Cordillera Mountains and a whiff of Baguio City's clean, crisp air. Being in the center of the city, it is easily accessible to anything or everything that future residents may require for their everyday lives. Imagine relocating to a serene setting where everyone can unwind and enjoy themselves.
A Routine of Quality Moments
Despite the demands of the labor migration, OFWs also prioritize scheduled family time. Whether it's a weekly video call, a monthly virtual celebration of family relations, birthdays and milestones in their children's school performance, Christmas, or New Year's Eve, these moments are sacred. Parental involvement is truly an effort, even if only virtually, during these cherished family gatherings.
That is to ensure a secure future
While emotional connection is vital, especially in terms of international labor migration, OFWs also express their love for their children through financial support, which is the main reason for such separation. Sending remittances back home ensures that children have access to education (ensuring they will have excellent schooling outcomes), healthcare, and, most especially, a comfortable life. This monetary support is a testament to the sacrifices OFWs make to secure their family income, children's education, and future.
Emotional support at its finest
The enormous distance does not prevent OFWs from offering emotional support and guidance to their children. Despite the visible effects of negative relationships, they continue to be a source of advice, motivation, and encouragement, helping their children navigate life's challenges from afar. This unwavering support helps children develop resilience and self-confidence.
The life of a migrant parent of an OFW is truly a horror, but it is marked by courage, sacrifice, and determination. The decision to work abroad is driven by a deep love for their families and a commitment to providing them with a better life. Despite the physical separation, OFWs go to great lengths to maintain a significant impact on their children, ensuring that their emotional bonds remain strong.
Through strong emotional guidance, OFWs prove that love knows no distance. Their resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of family and the unbreakable bonds that hold us together, no matter where life takes us.
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