Do parents have a computer? If so, you should start using Skype. It's free & so easy. Just go on Skype.com & download the program. You can communicate with anyone that has Skpye on their computer. You do need a camera & microphone for computer, but most laptops come with those included. I have a quilter friend in S.America who got me turned onto Skype. Recently, I got my nephew who lives 3 states away to get Skype & he was so excited to be able to see & talk to his aunt. My sister/his mom died in 2001.