So – you’re stuck at home like the rest of us. Depending on your temperament, you may be comfortable with that fact or on the verge of pulling your hair out. Regardless, it can be tough for anyone to be cooped up in one place for very long. Especially when it prevents us from spending quality time with our loved ones.
Fortunately, today’s technology utters us so many ways to facilitate contact and conference with others, even if it is on a screen. Now, we’re not here to recommend specific apps to use. And we won’t be listing out the pros and cons of different tech( for that, check out the Parent’s Guide to Technology from Plugged In ). But we hope that we can meet you aware of some of the technology available to you, along with some ideas to be intentional and stand connected with your friends and family during this isolated time.
Tools of the Trade
There are many styles you can connect with your loved ones, and those implements are right at your fingertips! Of track, you’re familiar with calling and texting, and you probably do this often. But what if you’re looking for something face-to-face( albeit on a screen )? That’s where video chat works( apps) come in.
There are a variety of apps that you can choose from, such as: Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, and Marco Polo. These are just a few of the options available to you. Each one does things slightly differently, so you’ll want to choose the app that best fits what you want to accomplish.
FaceTime
FaceTime is one of the first video chat apps for smartphones. This app assists up to 32 beings on a call and it comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, it is exclusive to Apple concoctions, so it won’t work for anyone with an Android phone.
Facebook Messenger
The social media app, Facebook, comes with a messenger feature that you can use to keep in touch with anyone who has a Facebook account. You can video chat with up to 50 beings in working group. Messenger likewise runs just like texting, but without any texting fees.
Whatsapp is a messaging app that uses your phone or computer’s WiFi to send and receive themes. You can send text meanings or record singer senses, take part in video calls, and refer documents to other parties applying the app.
Zoom
Zoom is a popular congregate app “whos working” across most platforms. Nonetheless, the free edition of this app restrictions groups of three or more beings to a maximum of 40 hours for video chats.
Skype
Another video chat app that has been available awhile, Skype is available on most pulpits and foundations international christen and texting. You can also have up to 50 people on a Skype video call.
Google Duo
Google Duo is an easy-to-use app that works on both Android telephones and iPhones. This app often is pre-installed on Android phones, so check to see if previously have it. A peak of eight people are stood on a Duo video call.
Marco Polo
Through the Marco Polo app, you can leave pre-recorded themes for your friends and family to deem whenever they’re available and vice versa. This determines it like a video form of a verse message.
Most of these apps can be accessed via smartphone, computer, or both. Each one comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and you are able to do your search on the one that best fits your needs. If you have young teenagers in the home who will be using these apps, be sure to check out the security options and parental limitations offered with each.
7 Idiosyncrasies of Effective Parenting Assessment
Good mothers aren’t perfect. There’s no formula to follow, but there are behaviors you can grow every day. Focus on the Family’s 7 Idiosyncrasies of Effective Parenting Assessment leaves mothers an honest look at their unique fortitudes, plus some areas that could use a little help.
Take the free Parenting Assessment
Let’s Connect With Technology
So , “youve had” appropriate tools you need to keep in touch with your friends and family. But how can you use it to reach out and connect in fun and meaningful modes? Here got a few ideas to get you started.
Pursue a Prayer Group
Stay connected with family members or friends on a spiritual position through crying together. Set a duration- could be once a week, could be once a day- “whos working” for everyone to come together as a group. Share homages and petition entreaties. Talk through them together. Then, take turns praying for one another. Public prayer, even over video chat, can be a strong thing and a great action to stay connected with each other.
Make a Movie Night
Watching movies with loved ones can be a lot of fun- and you don’t definitely have to be in the same place to enjoy it together! Pick a movie and organize a watch party. It could be a timeless classic that everyone enjoys or a cheesy movie merely evading to be made fun of- it’s up to you! Start up a commentary on the movie with each other through text or watch each other’s reactions through a video call.
Do a Devotion
Take some time to share a devotion with those close to you. There is no designated time limit you must hit with your love. It could be a simple studied, a quote, or a text that God has laid on your mettle. It could also be a full-fledged digital Bible study group if you want that, too. Respond to what God is calling you to share. You never know the impact it may have! And if you happen to be looking for family devotion alternatives, we’ve got you comprised.
Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
This type of scavenger hunting may gaze a little different than what you’re used to, but it can be just as recreation! Challenge friends to find all sorts of components from around the house. It can be anything from a remote, paper clips, a Bible- even a Christmas decoration! When person ascertains something, they can take a picture or video of it to send to the group. The first person to find everything on the list is the winner- maybe the booty is to pick the next movie you all watch together!
Get Creative With Encouragement
Step up your impetu tournament! Some video apps allow you to leave messages for one another, so you can use this to leave uplifting messages here and there. Know someone who is feeling isolated? Send them a content telling them know they’re not alone. Is someone feeling discouraged? Make a short video telling them about the things you realize about them. You can even make a video sharing a Scripture verse that means a lot to you. Think of these as little indicates of help, but in the digital seat!
Host a “How-To”
Do you have a particular skill that you would like to share? Maybe you’re a great cook and have some tasty recipes to pass along. If you’re handy, you could show others how to do routine upkeep around the house. Perhaps you draw or dally policy instruments. Whatever it is , now is a great time to share it with your friends and family. Take turns supporting all the useful talents you have in a group and discover what you learn!
More than ever before, we can stay connected, even when we are apart. It were not able to be ideal, but sometimes difficult situations can articulate our connectedness with others( or lack thereof) into perspective. The key here is intentionality. Talk with your friends and family, come up with some huge ideas to stay connected, and then use today’s technology to make it happen.
( c) 2020 by Focus on the Family. All liberties earmarked.
The post Fun Ways Technology Can Connect You With Family and Friends materialized first on Focus on the Family.
Read more: focusonthefamily.com
Recent Comments