Long-distance loving: how to stay in touch with your children: when Dad or Mom spend a lot of time on the road, their relationship with their children can suffer. But it doesn't have to be that way. Maintaining a strong bond is an ongoing process, one that can be successfully accomplished even far from home.

The more affectionate a parent is with his or her children, the better the kids fare emotionally," states a recent review of almost 100 studies on the subject of parent-child relationships. Children from loving homes tend to be more generous, demonstrate improved social skills, and enjoy a stronger sense of self-worth.

This is especially true when it comes to the father-child connection. Studies suggest that a positive dad/offspring bond might even set the stage for many teens avoiding certain problems such as delinquency and substance abuse.

Such information underlines how vital an involved dad has become in today's fast-paced society. If you're an on-the-go father, it's important for you to know how to maintain a close relationship with your little ones while you're on the road.

The late astronaut Rick Husband provided a wonderful example of a dad who knew the importance of "being there" for his children, even when he was sailing among the stars. Before making a trip, he'd record video devotionals, providing a daily testimony to his character as a father. It's a visual legacy that will forever live on in the hearts of his children.

The following are 13 ways that you can connect with your youngsters even if your journey doesn't involve a second-stage booster rocket.

1. Count down. Discuss your trip in detail with your children using a map and a calendar. Once you're gone, they can use the calendar to count down the days until you return.

2. Always say "goodbye." Don't just be there one day and gone the next. Goodbyes may be difficult--sometimes more so on Dad--but you don't want your kids waking up to a "missing" father.

3. Leave your scent behind. Spray your favorite cologne on a handkerchief or the child's favorite doll or blanket--something they can carry around or have close at hand while they sleep.

4. Make a talking picture. Electronics stores sell picture frames with a recordable message. Simply insert a recent photo of yourself and record your message of love. Each time you go away, change the message.

5. The Kissing Hand. Take a tip from the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. She writes about a little raccoon that didn't want to go off to school and leave his mother. So mama raccoon takes her furry son's paw and gently kisses it on the palm, telling him that whenever he feels lonely and needs a little loving, all he has to do is press his paw to his cheek.

6. Exchange pictures. Before you go, trade special photos so that everyone will be close to one another's heart. If your child has a computer, program your picture to appear as a screen saver or desktop photo.

7. Book it. Record yourself reading from their favorite book so they can listen to a tape or CD of your voice and follow along. Or buy two copies of a kid's book so you can "read" together over the phone.

8. Treasure hunt. Before you leave, hide notes and/or small gifts around the house. Call daily with clues.

9. Send snail-mail. If you'll be away for an extended time--say a week or more--send individual picture postcards to each child starting as soon as you arrive at your destination.

10. Be a digital dad. Take along your digital camera and e-mail photos of yourself every day in different settings. Simply hold the camera at arm's length, smile, and click.

11. Phone or e-mail often. Older children will enjoy frequent e-mail messages from Dad, while younger kids will delight in hearing Dad's voice on the phone.

12. Find connections. If you don't already have one, find an area of interest to share with each child and then send pictures, articles, information, or other items pertaining to that interest.

13. Send faxes. From time to time, fax your kids a handwritten note or a drawing of their favorite animal, activity, or any area of interest to them. If possible, invite them to fax you a picture or message in response.

Once you return home, you should expect a wide range of emotions from your children--from being overly excited to being withdrawn or even angry. These are all normal reactions and are signs that the child has missed you and isn't sure how to respond to your sudden presence. According to James Levine and Todd Pittinsky, authors of Working Fathers: New Strategies for Balancing Work and Family, "It's important to enter into your children's flow, rather than expect them to enter into yours. When you come home, rather than starting an activity, try to get in sync with what your kids are doing."

Being away from home doesn't have to place a strain on your relationship with your kids. Taking the time to show how important they are to you every day will make the adjustment easier and your relationship stronger and more meaningful.

Tammy Darling writes from Three Springs, Pennsylvania.