If you or your spouse work offshore, you know what it’s like to spend time apart. Many offshore families don’t get to spend much time together, which can be especially hard on children. With so many distractions nowadays, it’s important to find ways to keep your family connected and enjoy the time that you do have together.
If you’re looking for ways to make the most out of the time you get to spend with your family, these ideas should help inspire you.
Plan Game Nights
Especially if you are apart often, this can become a tradition for when everyone is together. Grab your favorite games and gather around the table for a night of laughs. Make game night as regular of an event as possible to help the family stay connected.
Celebrate the Holidays When You Can
Whether you or your spouse are gone for days, weeks, or months at a time, the timing isn’t always perfect. Maybe you’ll be apart on your favorite holiday, but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on it entirely. Look at your schedule and plan to celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Halloween when you are together. After all, the holidays are about family, so even if you don’t celebrate on the exact date, being together will make it special.
Do Crafts Together
Search Pinterest for family-friendly crafts that everyone can enjoy, then include the kids in gathering all the necessary items and tools you need. Whether you want to make this a holiday-specific activity or just because, every crafter will get to hold onto a keepsake that will remind them of fun times.
Let the Kids Teach
Set time aside to learn from your children. Let them take the role of teacher as they explain how to do something they know how to do. Tell them in advance so they have time to decide what they want to teach you, and what they’ll need to prepare the lesson.
Spend Meaningful Time Together
No matter what you choose to do during your family time, making memories will always make the distance a little easier to bear when you are apart. The most important thing is that your time together is meaningful, even in small ways.