{"id":10451,"date":"2022-05-24T17:57:42","date_gmt":"2022-05-24T09:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.helperchoice.com\/?p=10451"},"modified":"2026-02-16T17:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:45:35","slug":"going-distance-successful-long-parenting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/going-distance-successful-long-parenting\/","title":{"rendered":"Going the Distance: A Guide to Successful Long-Distance Parenting for Helpers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By: <em>PathFinders<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/going-distance-successful-long-parenting\/#1_Entrust_children_with_responsible_guardians\" >1. Entrust children with responsible guardians&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/going-distance-successful-long-parenting\/#2_Communicate_regularly\" >2. Communicate regularly&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/going-distance-successful-long-parenting\/#3_Connect_meaningfully\" >3. Connect meaningfully<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"10469\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-2048x2048.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-170x170.png 170w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-370x370.png 370w, https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/HK-Job-ads-94-5-440x440.png 440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For most mothers, being away from their children for most part of the year is extremely hard to imagine. Yet this is the reality of many Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) who are mothers. MDW mothers make the very difficult decision to work far away from home, sacrificing precious time with their children,so as to create better opportunities and brighter futures for them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Successful long-distance parenting is not easy. Yet, it is possible! Here are 3 simple ways MDW mothers can put in place to raise their children successfully from afar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Entrust_children_with_responsible_guardians\"><\/span><strong>1. Entrust children with responsible guardians&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Caring, trustworthy, and like-minded guardians in the home country play a very important role in supporting mothers who work overseas. They provide the much-needed nurturing care and guidance to the children. Here are some key guidelines to help mothers decide who will be the best guardians for their children.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have the best interests of your children at heart? <em>Ensure children have regular and nutritious meals, go to school; and spend time with peers who are a positive influence<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have similar goals and values as you? <em>Place equal importance in the children&#8217;s education, and ensuring they learn responsibility<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Show commitment to build character in your children?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have the ability to work closely with you to improve your children&#8217;s wellbeing?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Selecting the right guardians will give mothers great assurance and peace of mind that their children are in safe hands. Make your children&#8217;s safety and wellbeing a top priority. Teach them about their body, privacy, and ways to protect themselves. Encourage them to speak up and confide in you whenever they feel unsafe or uncomfortable with anyone\u2014even if that person might be a family member.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Communicate_regularly\"><\/span><strong>2. Communicate regularly&nbsp;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Workdays are busy and often long for most MDWs. Find time daily to communicate with your children\u2014even if it is a short, 5-minute video call. Figure out which time slots work best for both you and your children. Try to keep it regular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have an open conversation with your employer to discuss how and when you could schedule regular short breaks to speak with your children. For example, every weekday at 4.00pm after you complete most of your work tasks and after your children have come back from school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Connect_meaningfully\"><\/span><strong>3. Connect meaningfully<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Go beyond the \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d and \u201cHave you done your homework?\u201d on the video calls with your children. Be curious about their lives by asking who their close friends are, and inviting them to share stories about what happened in school. When possible, guide them on their school work too. It will mean a lot to your children that \u201cMama\u201d or \u201cNanay\u201d is still very much involved in their daily lives even though she is so far away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connection truly goes both ways. Many mothers don&#8217;t want to show their vulnerabilities to their children. As your children mature, try to engage in age-appropriate heart-to-heart conversations with them. Be open and honest about your challenges and feelings as a MDW. This can draw you closer to your children, and strengthen their character.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mothers who are open with their children about the realities of being a MDW found that their children become more grateful and have a deeper appreciation of the value of money. They seldom ask for toys, clothes, and other material things as they realise how hard their mothers are working each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though raising your children from afar could be challenging, it is achievable with thoughtful planning, prioritising, and commitment. Above all, every effort will make a lasting difference in your children&#8217;s lives and help you and your children build a wonderful relationship that can go the distance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-300x97.png\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Bilingual-logo-High-Resolution-1-300x97.png\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can reach out to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pathfinders.org.hk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">PathFinders<\/a> for more information and support on foreign domestic workers&#8217; pregnancy rights in Hong Kong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact Number\/WhatsApp: (+852) 5190 4886<br>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PFFMW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">facebook.com\/pffmw<\/a><br>Email: info@pathfinders.org.hk<br>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pathfinders.org.hk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.pathfinders.org.hk\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By: PathFinders For most mothers, being away from their children for most part of the year is extremely hard to imagine. Yet this is the reality of many Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) who are mothers. MDW mothers make the very difficult decision to work far away from home, sacrificing precious time with their children,so as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Strategies for domestic workers navigating long-distance parenting. Learn how to stay connected with family while working abroad with Pathfinders & HelperChoice.","title":"Going the Distance: A Guide to Successful Long-Distance Parenting for Helpers - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-featured-post","category-parenting"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10451"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15359,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10451\/revisions\/15359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}