My young grandson recently moved 800 miles away from me. It bothers me that I won’t be there for important events in his life. I won’t see the changes as he grows up. But thanks to the many forms of technology available today, coupled with good old fashioned, grandmotherly creativity, keeping in touch with him should be fairly easy.
If your grandchildren live far away from you, there are many ways you can stay in contact with them. Kids today are rarely taught the art of writing letters and how to use the postal service to deliver them. We grandparents can lead by example but for the most part, we need to “meet them where they are at,” as the saying goes.
*Ma Bell still works! Sometimes it may be difficult to hold your grandchild’s attention on the phone, so be prepared to keep the conversation short if need be. Don’t expect children to want to hear about your difficult day or your health issues. Keep conversations light and interesting. If never hurts to share a joke or two to lighten the mood. Many phone services offer free long distance plans. Take advantage of that option.
*Texting is king! If you don’t know how to text, ask a young person to teach you. Learn the “lingo.” Texting is often a kid’s preferred way to communicate.
*Social media rocks! If your grandchild is old enough, ask the parents to set up a restricted Facebook account where he or she can only communicate with certain approved people. This is a great way to share family photos and your grandchild can play games with you. Facebook offers a bevy of free games.
*Set up an email account for your grandchild. Of course, this must be approved by the child’s parents. Use a service like AOL that provides protected accounts for children. Once set up, you can send short emails to your grandchild several times a week. Kids are so technology-savvy that even young ones will quickly master all the necessary steps. Don’t monitor their spelling or grammar. Just enjoy the connection.
*Use Skype, or Facetime. Skype is free. If you each have access to a webcam on your computers, you and your grandchild can carry on face-to-face conversations.
*Share recipes with older grandchildren. When my granddaughter moved from her dorm into her first apartment, she developed an interest in easy-to-prepare meals. She and I exchanged numerous emails over recipes and how-to information. This prompted me to begin work on a family cookbook that is now complete. Her younger sister showed a talent for cooking in high school, and she has also contacted me on Facebook for several favorite family recipes. As a result, I gifted her with my Mother’s cookbook from 1950, a much treasured item.
*Send small gifts. A week after my grandson moved away, I mailed him a greeting card with the sentiment, “Be Happy.” I included a short, upbeat note and several pieces of Airheads, a candy he likes and one that is flat and easy to stick in a small packet. This was a much-liked little treat for him to open.
Here are a few ideas for small items to send:
- Greeting cards with notes
- Cards with candy
- Pokemon cards
- Homemade cookies
- Baseball cards
- Handmade doll clothes
- Books
- Batting glove for baseball players
- Notes with interesting photos
- Paper dolls. Make your own if necessary.
There are many ways to keep in touch when the miles separate you from those precious grandchildren. You are limited only by your imagination. Spend time trying to develop a common interest with your grandkids, so they will look forward to chatting and emailing with you. Enjoy the moments. Those kids grow up much too quickly.
