Families in the U.S. relocate more often than most people around the world. So how do you stay close when your loved ones are always on the move? Here’s a few ways to keep the bond strong with grandkids:
Connect with them one-on-one. Whether you’re chatting with your grandkids online or taking a once in a lifetime trip with them, having one-on-one time with them is important to establishing a bond. One-on-one time will give them the attention and time they need that their parents might not have for them to applaud their efforts, listen to their stories, and laugh at their knock-knock jokes.
Embrace technology. Advances in technology have provided us with more ways to stay in touch than ever. Don’t know how to set up video-chatting on your computer, or use Facebook? There’s a good chance your grandkids do, and they’ll love showing you how to use the latest and greatest gadgets. Try sending your grandkid a book in the mail and keep a copy for yourself so you can read to them over video-chat as they fall asleep at night.
Let their imaginations soar. Let each of your grandkids plan a trip to take with you in their early teens. Your grandkid who is interested in medieval games might want to visit England, while your granddaughter who loves animals could ask to go to the Everglades with you. Any which way about it, it will be an experience they – and you – will never forget.
With these three simple tips, you don’t need to live a bike ride away to stay close with your grandkids; all you have to do is consistently let them know you care. If you live far away, or alone, keeping a medical alert system from Fall Alert on hand can also help reassure your family members that you’re staying safe and healthy—especially when the little ones come to visit.