How to Keep in Touch with Long-Distance Grandparents

With families spread out over long distances, and many grandparents seeing their grandchildren only a couple times per year, how can you make sure your children know their grandparents? There are steps you can take to keep the familiarity up between your children and your parents and in-laws, so visits begin with an instant connection, rather than a period of getting to know each other all over again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• computer with webcam
• phone with speaker feature
• digital camera

1. Start young. Get your children used to chatting with grandma and grandpa at an early age, by holding the phone up to them to hear their grandparents voices. Letting your parents and in-laws hear baby coo will deepen their bond with even the youngest child.
2. Create a photo album or scrapbook just for your children. Fill it with photos, cards and mementos from their grandparents. Read it to them as you would read any book, reminding them of happy occasions with grandma and grandpa and special gifts they've received from them. Include a map that shows where you live as well as where the grandparents are.
3. Set up a regular time to talk on the phone together, when the children aren't over-tired. Turn off the TV and give the children an interactive toy or art project, something to keep them entertained, but not too distracted to talk. Put the phone on speaker, if you can, and engage your child in conversation, letting the grandparents join the discussion. Some children shy away from a phone thrust toward them, or clam up when ordered to talk. Help your children feel comfortable with the phone conversation and allow the grandparents to hear how they speak naturally, versus when put on the spot.
4. Don't just call, video-conference with a webcam. Invite the grandparents to participate in everyday events as well as special occasions. Let your child eat dinner with grandma's company on the webcam, color with grandpa watching on the computer, and invite the grandparents to join the child's birthday party online.
5. Set up a photo-sharing site and/or blog. Capture quiet moments as well as action-packed outings and post the photos for all family members to see. Add a blog describing everyday life for your child, as well as funny events, tender moments, and milestones. The blog and photo site will not only help distant relatives feel close to your child, they will serve as a living baby book for the child to enjoy in years to come.
6. Write letters. Encourage your children to draw pictures to send to their grandparents. Have your parents and in-laws send cards and letters to your children, tucking a sticker or two inside for a little surprise.