Are you a long-distance grandparent? Here is some useful advice
Being a grandparent is probably the most beautiful chapter of our lives; however, it can take quite a bit of a challenge to be the best. The thing is that there is no right or wrong because, as time changes, we have to adapt to what life has to offer and how we respond to that. This leads to today’s article, in which we will talk about a common issue many of you addressed: long-distance grandparenting.
Is it hard? How do you cope with the fact that you will not be there to see when they first walk or say “mom” for the first time? While reading this might make you sad, I can assure you there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we will address this subject and learn how to cope as a long-distance grandparent.
Embrace the advantage of video calls
In the age of technology, it would be a pity not to take advantage of video calls to keep in touch with your grandkids. During the pandemic, I used to be a long-distance grandparent, and me and the juniors were having a lot of fun during video calls. We even played some fun games!
Two of the most widely utilized and user-friendly video chat applications available today are Zoom and Skype. FaceTime is the most widely used video chat app. You may undertake activities together visually via video chat, such as exchanging artwork, virtually “attending” a party, or jointly browsing through a picture book or reading one of the grandchild’s favorite novels.
Make every in-person visit memorable
While being a long-distance grandparent is very hard, one thing that helps a lot is to try and make the most of the in-person visits. The frequency may vary based on the cost and distance of each journey. It’s something you should give serious thought to. The visits should ideally be reciprocal, with you acting as the host or guest as needed.
Give your grandkids presents and sentimental memories of you when you visit their homes. Make sure you have special toys still in your house for when they visit, preferably some of their parents’s old toys as well.
Enjoy every moment you have together, and when they become sad because you’ll eventually leave, try to comfort them by telling them you’ll return and that you will always have technology on your side!
Schedule phone calls
This may sound a bit odd, but scheduling phone calls will allow you to “prepare” different topics of discussion. For example, if the junior is one year old, you can ask simple questions and encourage them to answer with what they learned. A good night’s chat with very young grandkids may be a happy memory for them and perhaps assist their parents in getting them ready for bed.
If your grandkid is a toddler, you will be able to have a better understanding of what a real conversation means. Ask questions such as, “How was your friend’s birthday?” and “What have you been learning in kindergarten?”
If you want to win your grandkid’s hearts, you need to show genuine interest in what they say and express pride in their achievements, no matter how small. This can have a profound impact on their development!
Engage in their lives as much as possible
As a long-distance grandparent, it’s important to stay updated on their hobbies and interests. Be curious about them when you talk on the phone or during video calls. Ask questions about what they like to read, propose a reading club, and take turns proposing what books you should discuss.
Encourage and support them as they take on new challenges and possibilities. Show them that you are available to them, even if you are far away. Never let distance come between you!
Attend important milestone events
If you live far away, it may not always be easy to attend every occasion or significant event in your grandchildren’s lives, but you can still be there to support them. Be aware of approaching occasions such as birthdays, graduations, or sporting events, and try to send them a note, gift, or arrangement of flowers to let them know you are thinking of them.
However, if your finances allow you to visit, don’t hesitate! Plan the visit and speak to the parents to be surprised. They’ll be happy to see you come unannounced when they graduate. Bring the camera too! Moments like these deserve proper pictures.
Being a long-distance grandparent comes with a lot of challenges, but your grandkids will enjoy knowing that you are supporting them no matter how far away you are—it’s the thought and effort that matter.
Discover apps and games for long-distance grandparents
As I said at the beginning of the article, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I used to be a long-distance grandparent, so I had to do my best to keep in touch and have fun with my juniors. So what did I do? I went for online games.
Two apps that let you play virtual games over video chat are House Party and Jackbox. Also, there are several applications for board games. Some are free, and some need to be bought. Before recommending an app to your grandkids, make sure to check with their parents so they can offer their approval and give a preview of each one. My grandchildren’s favorite games were Monopoly, Dominoes, Scrabble, and Candy Land!
Does staying in contact with your grandchildren require a new device? How about an iPad? It is reasonably priced at about $220 on Amazon, and if you don’t like Apple products, others run Android. You have a choice!
Instant messaging can be your friend
Instant messages via Facebook or WhatsApp are so fun, and a lot of kids nowadays are using them daily. If you don’t know how to use them or you’re simply not keen on doing it, ask them to help you out! I am sure they’ll feel happy to teach you.
All you need is a smartphone and a lot of patience. Oh, and also, have an open mind! Then you’ll be able to send text messages and pictures in real time. But don’t overdo it. Teenagers might feel controlled if you message them non-stop.
Record yourself reading a book
With this hype for audiobooks, this is something fun for all ages! Find out what books they are into, and record yourself reading them. Or create a video of you reading it. This may be more interesting for little ones.
Share family stories
Do you like sharing stories from your youth, or how did you meet your spouse? Take this and make it the main advantage of being a long-distance grandparent. Grandchildren might feel more connected to their lineage through historical tales, family history, and recollections about their parents’ early years. It might be interesting for them to learn more about their origins and family history.
Make them curious so they can ask you questions. This way, you could turn a story into an interactive Sunday evening.
Interested in reading more related articles about grandparenting? We got you! 7 Things You Should ALWAYS Talk About with Your Grandkids.
