Stay Close and Connected to Your Grandchildren With These 10 Daily Habits

When you become a grandma, you cherish every moment you get to spend with your grandchildren. It feels wonderful to hear them call you “grandma”!

But if they live far away, you might miss them a lot and feel lonely. Don’t worry, dear Grandma! There are many ways you can still feel close to your grandchildren every day. Here are ten simple habits that can help you stay connected with your little ones:

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Keep in touch through video chats and phone calls

A young boy, possibly in his early teens, sitting at a dining table focused on a laptop screen. The room appears lived-in with various items scattered across the table. The boy wears a dark blazer and seems engrossed in what's displayed on the screen. — Flickr/Michael Newman

The easiest way to keep in touch is through video chats and phone calls. Even though I live just an hour and a half from my grandkids and see them almost every week, I really look forward to our daily video chats. We can see each other, talk about what’s new, and plan when we’ll meet next.

A great plus? The little ones are never shy around me because they’re used to seeing my face and hearing my voice so often.

Send texts and pictures of things that remind you of them

Does your grandchild love sports? Why not send them texts before, during, and after the game to chat about it? If you both enjoy a hobby, like collecting coins or painting, update them on your projects.

Or, just send a quick message to say you’re thinking of them and hope they’re having a great day. If your grandkids are too young for their own phones, you can always send these messages to their parents to read aloud to them!

Send snail mails

Sending letters, postcards, and little surprise packages is a fun treat! It’s not something you have to do every day, but when you do, it makes your grandkids super excited. Imagine their joy when they receive something in the mail, especially because it’s from you, their special grandma! Here’s a helpful snail mail guide.

Here’s a fun idea: I have a friend who writes a letter to her grandbaby every week. It’s a treasure that her granddaughter will keep forever.

Start a shared hobby or project

Find a hobby or project that both you and your grandchild can enjoy together, even from a distance. This could be gardening, knitting, building model airplanes, or even starting a book club. You can share updates, photos, and tips with each other.

This shared activity not only gives you something to talk about but also builds memories and skills together. You could mail each other supplies or creations, making the experience even more exciting.

Start a daily journal

When your grandkids are a bit older, start a daily journal for them. Write about your day, things that remind you of them, or maybe a poem. You could even share stories from when you were their age. It’s a great way to share your heart and make memories that last.

Create a storytime tradition

This image shows a mother sitting on a sofa with her two young children. She holds a baby on her lap and a toddler sits beside her. The toddler is interacting with a digital tablet that the mother is holding. The setting appears to be a cozy living room, and all three are focused on the screen of the tablet. — unsplash.com/@4dgraphic

Set up a regular time to read stories to your grandchildren over video call. You can choose classic tales, new children’s books, or even create your own stories featuring adventures of your grandchildren as the main characters.

This not only enhances their love for reading but also gives them something to look forward to with you. Over time, this tradition can become a cherished memory, and it’s a wonderful way for you to influence their growth and imagination.

Use words of affirmation

No matter if you’re together or far apart, always encourage your grandchild. Tell them how smart they are, praise them for things they do well, and remember to mention the times when they are kind. Regularly cheering them on helps build their confidence and shapes the wonderful adult they will become.

Don’t nitpick

As a grandma, you get to enjoy spending time with your grandkids without having to be too strict. Kids will be kids, and that’s okay! Unless they’re being rude or unsafe, try to relax and let their parents handle the discipline. This lets you keep things fun and light when you’re together.

Focus on your time together

When you see your grandkids, especially if it’s been a while, make sure to give them all your attention. Turn off your phone and ignore other distractions. This shows them how much they mean to you and helps make your bond even stronger.

Give plenty of hugs

A woman and a young boy embracing outdoors. The woman appears in her late 50s, with blonde hair and a black coat adorned with sparkly trim. The boy, likely in his early teens, has shoulder-length brown hair and wears a dark suit. They both look directly at the camera, standing against a backdrop of lush greenery. — Flickr/chrissylong

Virginia Satir, a famous family therapist, once said we need four hugs a day to survive, eight to keep us going, and twelve to help us grow. So, when you’re with your grandkids, lots of hugs, backrubs, or cuddles are great. Not only do these moments make them feel loved and secure, they’re also wonderful for you, too!

I hope these simple habits help you grow closer to your grandkids like they have for me. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to make your time together even better. Talk soon!

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Illustration of a smiling grandmother with gray hair in a bun, lovingly hugging her young grandson. They are both wearing blue, and the boy is holding a bouquet of colorful flowers. The background features soft earth tones and leafy accents, creating a warm, cheerful feel.

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