Bridging the Distance: A Parent's Guide to Staying Emotionally Connected with Children Studying Higher Education in Singapore

Date- 3rd July 2025

It’s a milestone for Indian parents when a child studies higher education overseas. But come on—it’s not easy. Amidst the pride of their success, there’s a quiet worry too: Will we be close, emotionally? Will they keep telling us about their ups and downs even from miles away in Singapore?

For Indian parents, getting their child abroad is not all about cracking exams but it’s also about seeing them bloom, from a distance but as part of the journey. Fortunately, with the technology of today and the cultural bond between India and Singapore, remaining emotionally close has never been simpler.

The guide that follows is a nitty-gritty and emotional one for Indian parents to feel less apart, though your child is thousands of kilometers apart.

1. Communication Routines, Not Demands

Rather than calling too much or demanding prompt responses, set a routine that suits both of you. Two calls a week, either video or voice, can keep the connection going. Regularity is the key to control but not constant calls. Whether it is just sharing the day with each other or listening to each other out, this tiny routine is comforting and reassuring to both.

2. Remain Tied to Technology

It’s no longer just WhatsApp calls—have a go at watching an episode of TV, playing an online game, or even uploading a recipe video. Zoom and Google Meet make virtual meetings a piece of cake, and Google Calendar reminds them of when they have an exam or project deadline, showing you’re actually part of their universe.

3. Send a Little Piece of Home to Them

Receiving a package from home—even if what’s inside may be just snacks, pictures, or a letter—is the world to a homesick student. Non-perishable and neatly packaged food is permitted in Singapore. A care package meticulously sent on birthdays or Indian celebrations such as Raksha Bandhan or Diwali brings home and nostalgia into their lives.

4. Learn About Their Life Abroad

Invest time learning about where they’ll be. Singapore universities—NUS and NTU—are some of the best in the world, and the country has excellent student security, clean public transport, and health. Reading your child’s university website or blog posts about student life in Singapore will lead you to ask smart questions and engage in more informed conversations.

5. Plan Visits That Bring Them Together, Not Just Supervise

Singapore is a convenient place to travel to from India with frequent flights and an easy tourist visa procedure. If your timing works, traveling on a visit to your child when they have their semester break or festival times like Deepavali (which is even announced as a public holiday in Singapore) can be a well-earned break for both of you. It also provides you with a glimpse into their new world, their friends, and their college life.

6. Trust Them, Even from Afar

Make your child feel that you trust them. Worrying is fine—every parent worries—but the best thing you can do to build confidence in them is to indicate that you have trust in them. Rather than second-guessing every choice, praise their successes, support their endeavors, and provide an environment where they can feel comfortable sharing themselves.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we don’t just take care of students—because we also take care of their families. From guiding parents through admission procedures to acclimatization planning for the emotional shift of having their child study overseas, we are with you every step of the way. Got questions? Seeking advice? Get in touch with BCES Admissions Abroad today at 9319996328 We make this international experience more within reach—not only for students, but for the parents behind them.