Ideas for grandparents who want to stay involved with their long distance grandkids. Tips for fun activities and games between Grandmothers, Grandfathers & Grandchildren.

Keeping in touch with long distance relatives can be difficult, but staying close to grandchildren is a special concern for grandparents living far away. Even distant grandparents can make a significant and loving impact on the lives of their grandkids with just a bit of effort. Consider some of these ideas and tips for keeping in touch with far-away family members, especially those young ones.

Use the Internet, Mail, and Phone to Keep in Touch

• Phone plans have come way down in price in the last few years. "Long Distance Prices" need no longer be a financial reason to avoid calling. If there are not currently discount cell or home phone deals in place, make this a priority.
• Many grandparents know how to use the Internet to send email. Expand from the basics by learning how to send photos, colorful type, clipart pictures, and more to write fun notes to a distant grandkid pen pal.
• Good old mail cannot be beat for a personal touch. There is something special about seeing a loved one's handwriting.
• If handwriting is difficult, consider using a small cassette recorder to make audio "letters." Of course, a videotape or DVD film would be even more special. One family mails tapes and DVD slide shows of pictures back and forth. A tape of family stories or books read by Grandma or Grandpa makes a treasured gift to a younger child or even an older one.
• Play games on the phone. Good phone games include Twenty Questions, riddles, crossword puzzles worked together, or paper games each person knows.
• Tell family stories. Kids love to hear them over and over.
• Read a younger child a book over the phone.

Create Holiday and Birthday Traditions

• Some grandparents send holiday gift boxes for Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas, and more. If the children have moved away, sending grandma's family-favorite cookies or yummy holiday breads can bring back loving memories.
• Getting a card or gift from grandparents on a birthday is very special. Even small remembrances mean a lot to kids. If the budget is limited, a homemade card or a gift of a family heirloom (such as small jewelry, a book, a cherished old toy, etc) will be greatly appreciated.
• Open gifts over the phone. It's fun to send presents, but even more special to hear the joy in the recipient's voice as the gift is opened. Also, thank-yous are given immediately.

Knowing Each Child Helps

• When talking to a grandchild on the phone or via email, ask questions. What are their interests (they change often with kids!)? What is going on with their education? Who are their friends and what do they like to do together? This helps maintain closeness.
• Send appropriate gifts. When in doubt, ask the parents. It's sad as a child to get a gift of something that was a favorite last year, but has gone out of style or is no longer of interest.
• Ask grands to send photos of their rooms, friends, and what they are doing.

Keeping in touch with distant family members in important, especially when it comes to children. Grandparents can make a huge impact on the lives of their grandchildren with a little thought and fun. And remember, nothing beats a real live hug, so if traveling is not possible, perhaps the gift of airline tickets would be an exciting idea.

Other Articles of Possible Interest:

Preparing to Become a Grandparent

Fun Activities for Senior Citizens

Fun Visits With Senior Citizens

Online Senior Citizen Gift Ideas

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