Our family has a weekly video chat where we casually talk about our lives. Some weeks our kids are very excited to share their creations and tell jokes. But most weeks they quickly pop in to say “hi” before running off to play.

While I wish our kids were more involved in these chats, I’m glad that I get to be a part of the conversation again. Like many parents, over the years I’ve missed dinners with extended family members because I needed to soothe a fussy baby. I’ve missed late night conversations because I was putting little ones to bed. And I’ve missed other extended family casual conversations because I was caring for a sick kid.

While I will be so excited to see our relatives in person and chat when it is safe to do so, I am grateful for these video chats right now. They are giving me the opportunity to be a part of a conversation that I’ve sometimes missed since becoming a parent.

Being on a video chat gives me the flexibility to keep listening to the conversation on mute if a kid is whining, crying or being rambunctious. I can easily hold a tired kid in a quiet room with the volume turned down. And, unlike on a holiday vacation when kids tend to be excited for presents, overwhelmed from flying, and overtired from sleeping in hotel rooms, these chats happen on just a regular day at home.

These weekly video chats are very simple conversations about weather, books, and birthdays. But, I’m glad to have the opportunity to hear what everyone has to say.