How to Stay Close to Your Grandkids—Even If You Live Far Away

How to Stay Close to Your Grandkids—Even If You Live Far Away

Being a grandparent is one of life’s greatest joys, but distance can make it challenging to build those special bonds. Many grandparents live hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their grandchildren, missing everyday moments and milestones. But geography doesn’t have to limit your relationship! With creativity and today’s technology, you can still be a meaningful presence in your grandkids’ lives no matter how far apart you live.

1. Schedule Regular Video Calls

Nothing beats seeing those smiling faces, even if it’s through a screen! Set up weekly or bi-weekly video calls at times that work for everyone’s schedule. Young children might only stay engaged for 5-10 minutes, while older kids can chat longer.

Make these calls special by reading stories, playing simple games like I-Spy, or having show-and-tell sessions. Keep a few props nearby – puppets, hats, or small toys can make conversations more fun.

Ask parents to help younger children prepare something to share with you, creating anticipation for your calls.

2. Send Surprise Care Packages

Mail remains magical to children! Create themed packages tied to holidays, seasons, or their current interests. Include small gifts, homemade treats (that travel well), photos, or craft supplies for projects you can work on together during your next video call.

Track your package and schedule a call for when it arrives so you can watch their excitement as they open it. Consider creating a tradition where packages arrive on specific dates, giving kids something to look forward to.

Even simple items like stickers or a special bookmark become treasures when sent with love.

3. Become Digital Pen Pals

Email isn’t just for adults! Set up a special email account for exchanging messages with older grandchildren. For younger ones, parents can help them dictate responses. Share photos, jokes, or simple updates about your day.

Ask specific questions they can answer in their replies: “What was the best part of your school day?” or “What made you laugh today?” These prompts make it easier for kids to respond meaningfully.

Digital communication teaches valuable writing skills while maintaining your connection. Consider using emoji or GIFs to make messages more engaging for tech-savvy grandkids.

4. Create Shared Experiences

Distance doesn’t prevent shared activities! Choose a book to read together, discussing chapters during calls. Watch the same movie and talk about favorite parts afterward. Cook the same recipe in your respective kitchens, comparing results.

For older grandkids, play online games together – from chess to more complex video games if you’re adventurous. These shared experiences create conversation topics beyond “How was school?”

Weather-watching can be fun too – compare what’s happening outside your windows and discuss how different or similar your climates are that day.

5. Celebrate Milestones Creatively

Missing birthdays and special events hurts, but you can still make them meaningful! Send a video message sharing a special memory or singing happy birthday. Mail a celebration-in-a-box with decorations, cake mix, and small gifts.

For graduations or performances you can’t attend, send a congratulatory banner to hang or flowers to be delivered. Ask parents to take plenty of photos or videos to share with you.

Consider hosting a “second celebration” during your next visit – kids love extending their special days, and you’ll create unique traditions around these twice-celebrated milestones.

6. Share Your Family History

Children love hearing stories about “the olden days” – especially when they feature their parents as kids! Record videos sharing family stories or create a simple family tree with photos. Explain family traditions and their origins.

Show items from your childhood or their parent’s youth during video calls. These connections to the past help children understand their place in the family story.

For older grandchildren, consider creating a more detailed family history book or digital album. These become treasured keepsakes and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging within the larger family narrative.

7. Establish Bedtime Rituals

Bedtime offers a perfect opportunity for connection! Record yourself reading favorite bedtime stories so parents can play them at night. Your familiar voice provides comfort even when you’re far away.

For older grandkids, schedule occasional “special” bedtime calls where you read a chapter of a continuing story. Create a special goodnight phrase that’s just between you and them.

Consider sending a stuffed animal or special blanket that represents your love, something tangible they can cuddle with while listening to your recorded stories or thinking of you before sleep.

8. Plan Virtual Field Trips

Turn ordinary outings into shared adventures! Visit your local zoo, museum, or park while video chatting, giving your grandchild a personal tour. Alternatively, explore virtual museum tours or webcams of interesting places together during video calls.

For younger children, make these “trips” interactive with simple scavenger hunts – “Can you spot something blue in this painting?” For older kids, research a location of mutual interest beforehand so you can share fascinating facts.

These virtual explorations expand their world while creating memories of places you’ve “visited” together despite the physical distance.

9. Develop Special Projects Together

Long-term projects create ongoing connection points! Start a collection together – perhaps rocks, postcards, or stickers – sharing new additions during calls. Plant identical seeds and compare how they grow in different locations.

For crafty grandparents, mail supplies for step-by-step projects you complete together over video. Older grandchildren might enjoy collaborative writing projects where you take turns adding to a story.

Document these projects with photos to create a special album showcasing your shared accomplishments. The anticipation of continuing these projects gives both of you something to look forward to between conversations.

10. Plan Meaningful Visits

When you do get together in person, make those precious days count! Before visiting, create a simple “wish list” with your grandchild of activities you’d like to do together. Include both special outings and simple everyday moments.

Take photos during your time together, then create a small album to leave behind. This helps younger children remember your visit and gives them something tangible to look at between your stays.

Establish at least one special tradition that happens only during visits – a particular breakfast, game night, or outing that becomes “your thing” and builds anticipation for next time.