Social distancing was the phrase that interrupted normal social lives for many families in 2020 and 2021. Although most families have returned to per-COVID socializing norms, some families live far apart and can't get together in person.
Social media is a great option for teens, but not so much for younger kids. Here are 10 ways for kids and adults to stay connected with family and friends when you can't be together physically.
1. FaceTime is one of the most popular apps to connect with family or friends, but you need to use an iPhone or iPad. Reach out and say HI!
2. WhatsApp is very similar to FaceTime; however, it works across all platforms: Android, iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC.
3. The Zoom app is perfect for large groups of friends and big families. It's free, so just download and send invites to your besties.
4. Text messaging is what most of us use daily to stay in touch with family and friends. Let your child create a group chat with all of their school friends to stay in touch.
5. Use your phone the old fashioned way. Make a call and make someone's day. This is a great way to stay in touch with grandparents or relatives who may have older phones.
6. Write a letter or send a card. It may take a few days to get there, but your friends and relatives will love seeing your child's handwriting and a personal message.
7. Send an email. Set up a free email account for your child to keep in touch with friends or relatives one -on-one or set up a family or friends group email chain.
8. Play a video game together. Roblox, Fortnite, Super Mario Brothers, Minecraft, and Pokemon Sun and Moon are all good choices for kids of various ages. Make rules ahead of time to avoid problems later: only real life friends, no chat, etc.
9. Start a progressive letter with your extended family. Send a letter with updates about your children and the family to grandparents or siblings who live out of town. Each family adds and update and sends the progressive letter on to the next member of the extended family.
10. Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar. You'll find lots of events to enjoy as a family, including some virtual holidays events to and enjoy together with family and friends around the world.
Even if you don't live near each other, you can still stay connected to family and friends! Whether you plan a time every week or month to get together virtually, celebrate holidays virtually, or reach out for a special date, you can keep those important family and friend connections going.
The Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Christmas and Holiday Guide 2022 will help you Find Your Family Fun® for the holidays in Central Virginia! From crafts, treats and gift ideas to local parades, holiday lights, Santa sightings, holiday photo shoot locations, and holiday events, you'll find it all in the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid Christmas and Holiday Guide.
Check our event calendar for information about local events!
Our FREE newsletter publishes weekly on Thursdays at 7 AM. You can subscribe to our newsletter here. Our newsletter features local family-friendly events as well as crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy!
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and in the comfort of your own home in every season!
