Be Aware 
Jerome is at Dubai International Airport. While waiting for his flight back to Singapore, he retrieves his handphone and keys in a text message to his 11-year old daughter, Chloe: “I’m at the airport now, boarding soon. See you back home.” His daughter Chloe replies: “C U”
Jerome Yuen, 46, is a Director of Airline Marketing, in an international corporation. With regional responsibilities, he makes about two business trips monthly to countries within Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. As his trips typically last for three to 5 days, he is home most weekends.
“Communication is very important to me” says Jerome. So, even when overseas, he remains accessible to his wife and Chloe by having his mobile phone switched on all the time. To stay in touch, he also sends them quick updates or reminders, usually in the form of text messages (commonly known as SMS) via his handphone.
He also holds interactive “Chat” sessions with Chloe when they are both online; and schedules video calls via Yahoo! Messenger. “I plan with my wife to have a video call during my trip. Nothing beats seeing my family face-to-face,” he says. Jerome also updates his status and upload photos on his Facebook account; and checks for updates from Chloe.
For travelling dads like Jerome, good communication is the key to active fathering. Keeping the communication lines open between dad and child is important. Here are some suggestions on to stay connected when abroad.
Make that Call
Gone are the days when calling home meant making expensive operator-assisted or IDD phone calls from a hotel room. These days, the mobile phone has become an indispensable device. With greater connectivity across the globe, a travelling dad can call home from anywhere -even while on the road.
By having his mobile phone switched on all the time, he can remain accessible by his family 24/7, even during times of emergency.
Call rates, subscription plans and the types of roaming pre-paid or post-paid SIM cards do vary, so it’s best shop around to decide which is best for you.
For cheaper options, consider international calling cards that allow you to call back to Singapore at a fraction of the costs of a standard direct IDD call from a local fixed line or mobile phone.
By far, phone and video calls are more personal, allowing both parties to hear and see each other.
For travelling dads with younger children, especially those that have yet to learn to spell and write, phone calls remain the best option, allowing the child to hear Dad’s voice.
For those with older children who have their own mobile phones or access to the internet, other cheaper or even free options are available.
It is now possible to make video calls using the latest 3G phones, allowing virtual “face-to-face” interaction that is superior to voice-only calls. However, making a video calls necessitates the phones of both parties -whether fixed-line or mobile phones- to have video capabilities. Also, it costs more than regular phone calls.
Send Text Messages (SMS)
Text messages (known commonly as SMS) are particularly useful for dads:
- who are in a city where the phone connection is poor resulting in less than ideal voice quality or break-ups in conversations
- who are it is a different time zone
- with limited internet access
- to send a quick status update or reminders
However, note the limitations of SMS:
- It is less personal because one cannot hear the other party
- The tone of the message may be misinterpreted (as with other text options)
- It is subject to connection speeds, and responses are not as immediate as in a phone call
- are limited by the amount and type of information one can communicate
- response is not immediate and the receiver may not reply
Make Full Use of The Internet
The Internet offers cost-effective or even free-of-charge ways to connect. These include:
- a. Instant Messenging (IM) or Chat Functions
Free Instant Messenging (IM) or ‘Chat’ functions are available on numerous Internet-based email sites, Social Networking Sites and websites. These allow for instantaneous text communication when logged on to the applications.
IM Chats are fast becoming the regular mode of communication for teens and adults. It is easy to use, highly interactive, and allows for immediate responses. With no time limit, dads and their children can carry on a conversation to discuss any topic at length.
They face only one limit--the vocabulary and typing speed of either dad or child.
- b. SKYPE & other Video Call Facilities
SKYPE was the forerunner in allowing for computer to computer calls using voice and video. It is now available with other Messenger applications like MSN and Yahoo. They allow for free phone or video calls. All that is needed are a microphone and webcam, in both the dad and child’s computer, for them to communicate.
The voice and picture quality may be subject to internet connectivity and speed, as well as the quality of accessories available. Hence video calls are often inferior to a voice calls on the mobile phone, but they are certainly much more cost-effective.
- c. Facebook & other Social Networking Sites
Facebook is a popular social networking site. Others include Friendster and ICQ. With a Facebook account, a dad is able to:
- update his status
- upload photos, videos
- post notes
- conduct an IM session with his child if they are both online
- comment on what his child posts
- interact with his child through other applications (e.g. super-poke, games)
- d. Twitter & Microblogging
Twitter account holders can opt to “follow” someone anywhere, to receive instant “tweets” every time the person updates in his Twitter account via his laptop or mobile phone. These tweets are little nuggets of information, not exceeding 140 characters, on what the account holder wants other people to know.
Some find tweets more immediate than Facebook. But others dislike having a constant bombardment of tweets. Good thing is that, this can be managed by simply ‘tweaking’ the settings.
Many Ways to Connect
As we have seen, there are now numerous ways to connect. When deciding which mode to use, dads need to consider the advantages and benefits summarised in the table below:
When deciding between mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices, refer to magazines, experts and friends for advice. Also check out reviews on websites such as CNet Asia and Hardware Zone.
With countless options available, the question for travelling dads is not one of whether you are able to connect, but “What is the best way?” and “How often?”
References:
- Top 10 List of SMS Etiquette, retrieved on 28 May 2010.
- Singtel, retrieved on 1 June 2010
- SMS Language, retrieved 29 May 2010.
- Is SMS Killing the English Language? retrieved on 28 May 2010
- SKYPE, retrieved on 1 June 2010
- Facebook, retrieved on 28 May 2010
- Friendster, retrieved 1 June 2010
- ICQ, retrieved 1 June 2010
- Twitter, retrieved on 28 May 2010
- CNet Asia, retrieved 31 May 2010
- Hardware Zone, retrieved 31 May 2010
About the Author: The DadsforLife Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.
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