How to Maintain a Relationship With Your Adult Children & Grandchildren When They Move

Watching your grandchildren grow up is a blessing.

When your children grow into adults and have their own children, living close by is a special treat that allows you to see the next generation of your family grow up. If for some reason they have to move further away, you may feel that your relationship will suffer from the physical distance. There are ways to help maintain a close relationship with adult children and grandchildren, no matter where they live.

Instructions

1. Mail items to your children and grandchildren and encourage them to mail items back to you. It is easy in this day and age of computer and Internet to forget about normal mail. Children especially love getting items in the mail. Write frequent letters and send pictures to your children and adult children. You can also send them self-addressed stamped envelopes to encourage them to write to you.

2. Call frequently. Invest in unlimited long distance so that you can talk to your children and grandchildren often. Keeping conversations going and communication open is one way to maintain close relationships. Have phone "dates" that you set up each week specifically for your adult children or grandchildren. For example, set up a phone call every Sunday at 7 p.m. This will help you keep in contact with family and will also make the grandchildren feel that they have carved out personal time with you.

3. Visit as often as possible. Keep track of sales on flights that will take you to visit your children and grandchildren. Book them in advance for the best deals.

4. Use technology, such as web cams. With the Internet so readily available, you can keep in touch by web cam and see your loved ones as much as you like. This is a great way to keep in touch with family, and little ones will love being able to see you as they speak with you.