Connecting with Grandkids from a Distance

It’s hard to be temporarily separated from your grandchildren.  Some of us are experiencing this separation for the first time during 2020 due to social distancing.  Other grandparents live far away from their grandchildren and only see them once or twice a year.  

Is it possible to have strong relationships with grandkids when separated by distance?  Yes, but it takes planning and effort.

Connecting with Grandkids Across the Miles

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Here are some great ideas to keep you connected to grandchildren from a distance.

Video Calls 

Video calling is my communication method of choice.  It is so much fun to see the faces of grandchildren. I love that we can be silly and laugh together. Video calling is easy as can be with your smartphone.  If you use Facebook, be sure to download the Messenger app, too.  You can connect to anyone on your friends list by video with just a tap on the camera icon. You can even do a group video call the same way.  How great is that!

You can do almost anything on a video call that you can do in person.  Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking:

 

Sing together.  Singing is fun for all but is especially good with babies and toddlers.  Choose fun songs that include sounds and motion.

Reading with your grandkids during video calls will help sharpen their reading skills and provide an opportunity for fun and silliness. As a bonus, you get quality time with the grandkids by having story time via video call. You can build anticipation by sending the book in advance through the mail.

For the little ones, you can read a short storybook to them over video.  Depending on your grandchild’s age and education level, you can ask them to read you a short storybook.   If your child is older, they can call you regularly to read chapters of a novel together.

Arts and crafts take a little more planning but can be fun, too. Paint rocks. Carve pumpkins. Color pictures. See more ideas below.

Use Video

Smartphones make it easy to shoot video.  Make a video of you baking cookies then send some to your grandkids in the mail. Take a walk and point out local sights or things of interest in nature in a video. Make a video of your pet.

Older grandchildren may have great fun making a video for grandparents. Ask your grandchild to create a video that they can share with you. It could be filming a “Day in the Life,” where they record activities throughout the day for grandparents to enjoy. 

Older grandchildren may have fun writing a script, making costumes, directing, and even editing their video on the phone or computer. Apps make video editing easy these days. Videos can be uploaded to Facebook or YouTube for easy sharing and viewing.

Cookie Decorating

If you live near your grandchildren you can make up a cookie decorating kit and deliver it to their doorstep.  Make your favorite sugar cookie or use my sugar cookie recipe. Add some containers of colored buttercream frosting and some sprinkles.  Save some cookies to decorate yourself and you can have a cookie decorating party over a video call.

Sugar Cookies to Decorate

Share Your Life

Take the time to share your memories and wisdom. Ask your grandchildren what questions they would like to ask Grandma or Grandpa about what life was like when they were a kid. 

Choose a way to answer their questions.  You might find photos you can show them and use them to answer a question.  

You might write a letter and send it to them, enclosing pictures or other memorabilia.  

You might film a video where you record a few answers and post to Facebook or YouTube.  

Think about creating a scrapbook you can share with them the next time you see them in person.

Your options are endless.  It will just take some imagination and time to execute on your idea.

Arts and Crafts by Video

Do your grandkids like art and crafts? You can suggest doing some painting, drawing, popsicle-sticking, or other arts and crafts together over video. You can get ideas for crafts by following this blog and our Facebook page.

If you have a specific arts and craft skill you can share that will your grandkids.  Prepare by sending you grandchild some special supplies.  They will be excited to receive a new set of markers, some watercolors, or a craft kit in the mail.  Tell them to save it for your video call.

Be sure to choose an age-appropriate activity so it will be fun for all.

Send Some Mail

What’s more exciting for your grandchild than opening the mailbox to find a hand-written note or handmade card from you? In this time when everything is digital, actual cards and letters delivered by mail will be remembered.

Keep your letters short.  Use them as a way to reinforce how much you love your grandchild or how proud you are of him/her.  Remind them of a fun time you had together. 

You might also send pictures of a place you have recently gone to or tell a funny story about your dog or cat.  Include a picture with your letter.

Sending a small gift as a surprise in the mail will certainly delight any child. You can send gifts directly from an online retailer making it quick and easy for you.

Stay In Touch

Remember, whether you try out one of these suggestions or simply pick up the phone and make a call or send a text, it’s the thought that counts. Regularly keeping in touch is what counts.

Holidays

Here are four great ideas for connecting to your grandkids from a distance for Halloween.

Thank You

You have just read the first post for this very new blog dedicated to grandmas wanting to create lasting relationships and memories with their grandchildren. You can get more by liking and following our Facebook page.