Keeping Familes Together via Skype

Skype has become a great addition to our family. My parents live 7 hours away and only get to see my son 3 or 4 times a year (more if we are lucky).  My dad turns into a goofy little kid when he is hanging out with his grandson. Now with Skype included in our family, my son gets to see his goofy grandpa more often. This last week he was able to Skype with his great grandparents and his grandparents all at the same time. He loved it and can't wait to see them all again on the computer.

Skype has also been used not only for keeping grandparents visible in their grandchildren lives but also for children of divorce to see their non-custodial parent. I think it is a wonderful thing for families to stay together even after divorce. There was a ruling in New York in August of 2010, that required the use of Skype for the conditions of the mother moving with the children.  It was the first known of this kind. It realized the importance of children having a visual conversation with their father and not just a telephone call.

I know how hard it is to get a young child to talk on the phone with their non-custodial parent. My sons father is in Grand Forks and when he does call, Owen doesn't really have much to say without being coached to tell him things.  I think we may have to try Skype with his dad and see if that helps their relationship.

There are also some people who have set up "play dates" through skype.  They feel that it will help their child stay in touch with their friends when it is too busy or weather is bad to have an actual play date. Researchers are looking into the effects and have developed new gadgets to help them "play" together.

Skype has it down and dark sides as all technologies do and it is up to the parent to monitor what their child is viewing, talking to and sending online. There have been a few cases of pedophiles in the chat rooms preying on young child but I feel this is with any part of technology.

As for the next time Owen will Skype with his granparents is this weekend. They have their next activity planned. Owen is going to read a book to Grandma and Grandpa. He loves to show off his new reading and writing skills.

Overall, I feel Skype is a great tool used to keep families and friends
closer even with more distance between them. Hopefully it is used correctly and smartly.