Eight Things Grandparents Can Do to Connect with Out-of-Town Grandchildren

Did you know that recent studies have shown that almost half of all grandparents live more than 200 miles away from their grandchildren? The world may seem smaller in a day and age of technology and instant messaging, but the world can seem mighty big when you ache to see your kids and grandkids, and they’re just too far away.

However, the modern world does present quite a few options for keeping in touch with far-away grandkids. Here are eight things grandparents can do to connect with out-of-town grandchildren.

1. Skype

Skype can open up whole new worlds for grandparents. You don’t have to have webcams for this, although if you do it opens up the possibility of video chat. All you need are two computers with high-speed internet connections. In fact, you can even do Skype with some phones that have internet access, too. Camera phones allow for video chat.

2. Google Talk

Google Talk is a lot like Skype. You can chat from your desktop or laptop computer, and it has video options as long as you have the hardware. Also like Skype, you simply download Google Talk from the internet.

3. Social Networking 

Facebook, Myspace, Pinterest, and other social networks provide a convenient platform for out-of-town grandparents to keep up with their grandkids. This approach may be particularly helpful with grandchildren of pre-teen or teen age.

4. Online Photo Albums

The internet offers lots of options for storing your photos. You can then share the password with the grandparents, and they can log in any time to see the latest pictures of their grandkids.

5. Telephone Calls

The telephone may be considered old-fashioned in this day and age, but it’s a perfectly legitimate and, for many grandparents, comfortable means of communication. Try scheduling regular phone calls, maybe once a week, to keep in touch. Grandparents can read selections of stories over the phone to young grandchildren, and older grandkids can have special topics and subjects they talk about with grandparents. Many grandkids like to hear stories about when their parents were kids!

6. Tape Recorders

Another old-fashioned but fun approach is for grandparents to make tapes. Grandparents and parents each need a mini tape recorder, and grandparents and grandchildren can mail audio tapes back and forth and play them on the tape recorders. Usually, all you need is a padded envelope to mail such tapes. Agree to mail them at regular intervals.

7. Online Chat/Instant Messaging

Most email platforms offer instant messaging and chat. If not, you can download specific chat software such as Google Talk. Again, all you need is a computer or modern cell phone with internet access.

8. Email

It’s easy to forget one of the simplest types of technology for staying in touch. Email can accommodate pictures and videos that you can include with the message, too.

Although you may miss your grandkids dearly, no matter how far away you are, it is possible to keep in touch with them via any of the options in today’s technology!

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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