1.3 Communicating with children

 Many parents find that being away means missing special moments and daily routines that help you feel close. It can be especially tough when your child doesn’t want to talk on a call or video chat or if you have got a younger child, they don’t respond to your voice.  

Life at home doesn’t pause while you’re away, and it’s normal for communication to feel different or more limited than you’d like. The good news is that there are ways to stay present in your child’s life, even when you can’t be there in person. This section will give practical tips and strategies for how to talk about FIFO with your child and keep in touch while away. Further information about explaining FIFO to children and supporting them to cope is included in area 4 – Supporting FIFO Children.  

Staying connected while away

Talking to your kids while you are away important for both you and them. Regular calls or messages can help you feel less disconnected. You can use a variety of strategies to stay connected with your children, from regular video calls, family group chats and sharing photos of your time on site. The strategies you use to communicate with your child might change over time. Below we list specific communication strategies for parents of infant children all the way to teenagers.

Communicating with children at different ages

Connecting with infant children (0-1 years old)

Maintaining a close bond with an infant child while away can be challenging. You can strengthen this bond just by making eye contact with them while on video chat, smiling at them and responding when they cry. This can help babies feel safe. 

Timing communication around routines (1-4 years old)

Plan video chats where possible so you can be involved in afternoon stories and mealtimes. Being involved in these routines helps maintain connection and can make being involved in routines more natural when you’re back home. 

Sharing your life onsite (5-14 years old)

Children are genuinely interested in what life is like for you onsite. Sharing photos of your room, food, and any critters you might see is a fun way to stay connected. It can also make it easier for children to picture where you are.

Communicating during challenging periods (12-18 years old)

Keep communication open and steady, as teens may turn to the FIFO parent during tough moments or when things feel strained with the parent at home. Being available helps support them and make things easier for the parent at home.

Links to other information and resources  

The information in this section is informed by research and evidence-based resources. The following resources provide additional information and practical strategies for communicating with children:

• How dads can positively influence baby development: Bonding hints [Ngala] 
• Communication tips [Kids Helpline]
• Communicating with your teenager during adversity or tough-times [Emerging Minds]

Things to remember

• Consistent communication matters: Consistent calls, messages, or shared routines can help you stay involved in your child’s life while away.
• Adapt communication to your children’s age: What works for a baby, young child, or teenager will be different and may change over time.
• Stay interested in their world and share yours: Talking about everyday experiences at home and on site helps children feel connected and included.