How to be a Long Distant Grandparent

In a time when the American Family moves almost every five years, and families are typically separated by hundreds, if not thousands of miles, many grandparents find themselves maintaining a long-distance relationship with their grandchildren. I've done it myself and have, over the years, developed some special techniques for keeping in touch. Always keep in mind that all successful relationships are based on communication no matter what the age.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 Telephone
• 1 A good long distance calling plan
• At least a quiet 1/2 hour
• Children's stationary
• A few good books
• A recorder
• Audio Tapes

1. Call often and settle in to talk for a while. Too many of us come from an era when a long-distance call was something special rather than an ordinary occasion, and we basically say our how-are-yous and get off the phone before any kind of real conversation can take shape. But remember, this is a long-distance relationship you're working at. Since you won't be taking this child to lunch and to the movies, spend the money on a few dollar phone call.
2. This is where a good long-distant plan comes into play. A good plan will give you very good rates and some even offer unlimited calling for a flat fee. Once your telephone relationship takes off, you may find yourself listening to a play-by-play description of a trip to Disney or a detailed rundown of what happened at Kiddie Kollege last week.
3. Keep a list of things you want to say and questions you want to ask in order to make the call more meaningful for both of you.
4. End every call with an expression of love.
5. Don't overlook using the mail to further your long-distance relationship. Children, no matter how old, love to receive mail, and there are ways to enhance your correspondence with them. Choose stationary with a theme they will enjoy. Dinosaurs, space ships, animals, movie stars, their favorite musical group, are just to name a few.
6. Write about what has happened to you - where you've gone and what you've done that might interest them. In other words, tell a story or two in your letters. Most important, use the letters to praise your grandchild and tell him or her how proud you are of scholastic, athletic, or other achievements. Kids do love to be praised for jobs well done.
7. Send books, audio tapes, and even videotapes to your grandchild. These, too, involve communication, and they will give you a further bond and some interesting topics to discuss in your special telephone calls.
8. Finally, when the two of you are about to visit one another, send a calendar marking off the days until you actually will see each other in person.

Tips & Warnings

• Bodies may be far apart, but hearts are always close together.