COVID-19 has not only been hard for friendships, relationships but also for families. Many of us move away from our hometowns to the city for our jobs, leaving behind our family members.
As all interstate travel is prohibited, it is kind of hard for us to go back and visit them, but they are constantly on our minds. We miss them, worry about them, and want to take care of them not only by sending money but being away from them makes that hard.
Here are some ways you can take care of them from afar:
1. Get help from any friends or neighbours back home
While most of us have moved to the city, there are still some of our friends who managed to go home before the lockdown or some who never really left or even your neighbours. Try and get them to pay your family a visit just to check in and see if they need anything.
It is also important to have friends and be in a good relationship with your neighbours just in case of emergencies. Since you are not there to help them in any emergency, having local contacts that you trust that can provide immediate assistance if needed.
2. Help them with daily tasks
When you lived with them, you would always help them with the daily tasks like feeding the pets and cleaning. So, when you’re away, I’m sure they feel your absence even more.
Try and make them feel like you’re there by using technology to help them out with certain tasks that can be done online. You can pay their bills for them online, order groceries through Foodpanda or Grab, and schedule their appointments for them. You might not be doing the normal tasks that you used to, but at least you are lightening their burden a little.
3. Order them food once a week or more
My family used to always have family dinners every Sunday. The whole family gathers for a delicious dinner while catching up and sharing what’s been going on in our lives. With COVID-19, we are unable to do this.
What we could do instead is plan weekly dinners with your family members over Whatsapp video call or zoom. You could order the whole family a nice dinner and then get on a video call and eat together while talking about what you’ve been up to.
4. Install a CCTV to make them feel like you’re there with them
Nowadays there are many different types of CCTVs that you can install at your home. One of my favourites are the ones that connect directly to your phone and even has a talk function. Here’s one you can try.
You could install these CCTVs around the house and check on your family from time to time just by opening the app on your phone. Make them feel like you are right there with them with the talk function that works like a walkie talkie.
5. Be more involved
If you’re feeling lonely and depressed during the lockdown, imagine how your parents and grandparents might be feeling being away for you for so long. While you might be worrying mostly about their physical health, think about their mental health too.
You should call them more often for just random reasons. You could video call your mum and aske her to teach you how to cook your favourite dish that she makes. Instead of just jotting don the recipe, keep her on the call and let her watch what you’re doing. It will definitely boost her mood and make her feel closer to you.
