Even when separated by physical distance, parents can remain emotionally present by participating in their children's daily routines through regular phone or video calls. Whether helping with homework, sharing a meal, talking before bedtime, watching a child get ready for school, celebrating birthdays, or simply checking in each day, these shared moments help parents maintain their parental identity, foster continued emotional connection with their children, and create a stronger foundation for reunification.
Fortalezas de Vida
Tips
In this section, we share practical tips for parents who have experienced immigration-related family separation and reunification, inspired by the experiences and strengths of those who participated in our study What About the Parents?
Fortalezas de Vida are the life-giving strengths that parents in this study drew on to keep going—such as their children, spirituality, their own efforts, and support from others. Inspired by their experiences, here are:
Five Tips for Connection and Healing
“When I felt bad, I thought of my kids. I had always fought for them. That was my goal, to keep fighting [for them].”“Cuando yo me sentía mal, yo pensaba en mis hijos. Yo siempre había luchado por ellos, y esa era mi meta, seguir luchando [por ellos]”.
Five Tips for Connection and Healing
Reflections
What tips would you share with a friend or another parent?
Take a moment and write it down for yourself — nothing is saved here.
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