Times have changed. While it's still customary to go out in the street and toss the 'ol pigskin around for some quality parent/child time, technology has created a new forum for interaction. Considering that many of us travel for work, or even work further away from home than we would like, technology has helped us close that void when it comes to spending time interacting with our children. Whether it be through video calling over Skype, or interactive smart phone applications we, have more options than ever to keep in touch with our families while we are away.
Sticking with the classics
While the customary "I've arrived at my destination" phone call is still the norm, as soon as I hit the tarmac and turn my phone on, I'm making my next move in chess. A simple application from Chess.com, the app lets me enjoy one of my favorite games to play with my son while I am traveling. While he's yet to beat me, the novelty of playing and learning the game on a smartphone has not worn off yet. With options to think as many moves ahead as you want, the Chess.com app helps to keep him learning the game, and helps me keep in touch without having to make constant phone calls explaining the moves in text.
Another great classic, and one of the most popular play-and-return style of games which are great for ongoing play that allows everyone to participate when they have time. is Scrabble, er.. Words With Friends. Okay, it's not exactly Scrabble, but it's pretty darn close to the general concept and a great way to play multiple games with all your kids (if you have more than one smartphone capable child, as I do.) Not to mention, it teaches spelling & word composition. Apparently these are important life skills, aside from slaying dragons with your Paladin Dwarf and catching all the Pokemon.
Do you see what I see?
All smartphones and tablets have cameras on them, and tons of easy ways to share pictures. Before you tweet that picture of that weird street sign or landmark, send it to your kid. Tell them where you are, or the significance of the location. Chances are they'll tell their friends in their vicinity or share with your spouse so she/he knows you aren't blowing your time at the Casino or locked in a barroom brawl. This is generally a one-way communication though, unless you want a constant stream of pictures of the living room or the playground. Sending your kids pictures of where you are and what you are doing keeps them involved and shows you are thinking of them even when you are away. Personally I like to send the kids pictures of foods that I am eating that aren't available in our small town.
Reading is fundamental
One of the things that was made possible with applications like Skype and webcams was physically seeing your child when you were away. Being able to read them a story face to face, well that gets a very cliche "priceless" stamp. Now we have smart phone and tablet applications that not only handle Skype, but also offer us apps like Facetime, in case you are an Apple fanboy and aren't sitting in a hotel room. Sometimes time zone changes affect that. Recently when I was in Seattle for PAX East, my kids were going to sleep on the East coast while I was still trying to nudge in line to play Battlefield 3. I have an Android phone, so Facetime wasn't available to me, but at least I could easily send video of me saying goodnight, as well as some cool shots of people dressed up in terrible Final Fantasycostumes.
The point is, when we are away from our children, and as much as we chide the technology that we put in their hands, this technology in smart phones and the applications on them create even more opportunity for us to keep in constant touch with our families. So for all you still carrying a Motorola Startac and telling your kids you can't do more than call them to say goodnight, time to step up your game and upgrade. Checkmate.
