Many have been navigating the waters of grandparenting from a long distance for years. Since COVID-19, others have recently been plunged into the waters. No matter how you ended up here, connecting with your grandchildren and making memories is still possible. Here are 5 ways you can connect and bring joy to your grandchildren
Bonus: We provided a set of interview questions for you to utilize.
1. Snail Mail
Sending mail is a great way to communicate, and children love receiving mail at any age. Create snail mail kits of your own or purchase fun kits. Begin a story that they can complete, or a drawing that they can add on to and send back. Include stickers or pictures of some of your day to day and encourage them to do the same.
2. Care Packages
Whether Covid restrictions are inplace or you just want to stay connected with your grandkids, there are many great gifts to send in the mail. Monthly subscription boxes once or regularly such as Kiwico, magazine subscriptions, or Little Passports are all good examples for many ages. Amazon has outdoor adventure kits that are fun for kids to use outdoors while so many places are closed.
3. Virtual Visits
Zoom or different forms of Facetime are great options to communicate and be able to see each other. There are so many different ideas that you can do during a call. The Cincinnati Zoo offers weekly virtual animal experiences, lunchtime doodles with author Mo Willems goes through a step by step drawing class for younger kids, you can create a scavenger hunt for them, and read books together.
4. Game Night
There are many online interactive games that are easy to set up and use such as the wheel of fortune app. Games like Guess Who and Battleship are easy to play over a face call. Charades and Pictionary are ones families can all enjoy together.
5. Sending Video messages
Video messages can be a great way to be connected. Whether it is going over your favorite recipe or just talking about a book you are reading together, making time to send a quick message is an easy way to show your love. We have provided an easy questionnaire for you to either do on a live call or to send as a video message.
We hope you enjoy these great tools for connecting with your grandchildren and impacting their lives no matter what distance is between you.
Fun Interview Questions for Grandparents and Grandchildren
- What is your favorite school subject?
- What do you like to do for fun?
- What is your favorite color?
- What is your favorite song?
- What item do you take with you everywhere you go?
- What two new things would you like to learn?
- Who is your closest friend?
- What is your favorite book?
- Is there anything you would like to ask me?
