The Survival Guide Every Long-Distance Grandparent Needs to Read

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Being a grandma means you want to spend as much time as you can with your grandkids. It really hurts when you can’t see them for a long time.

Years ago, many of us grew up with our grandparents living nearby. But today, families are often spread out, living far from each other.

So, how can a grandma stay close to her grandkids when they live far away? Is it even possible to feel connected across the miles?

I believe it is. I’ve found many ways to stay close to my grandkids, even when they’re far from home. That’s why I put together this guide—to help other grandmas like you stay close to the ones they love.

Remember, you’re not alone

First of all, you’re not the only grandma who lives far from her grandkids! It’s normal to feel sad or even lonely when you miss them. You might think you’re the only one dealing with this, but that’s not true.

A survey from 2011 showed that many grandparents are in the same boat. About 25% only see their grandkids every few months.

Some see them just once a year, and a few even less than that. Only about 22% get to see their grandkids once a week or more.

Another study from 2018 found that almost half of grandparents live at least 200 miles away from their grandkids. So if you’re feeling the distance, you’re not alone. Many grandmas are right there with you!

Easy ways to connect with your grandkids

Even if your grandkids live far away, you can still stay close and connected. Thanks to today’s technology, seeing their smiling faces is just a tap away.

Whether you prefer smartphones, smart screens, or a good old-fashioned phone call, there’s a way for every grandma to keep in touch and make meaningful memories—no matter the distance.

Video calls on your phone

If you have a smartphone, you can see your grandkids with just a few taps! Apps like FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Duo, Instagram Messenger, and WhatsApp make it easy. I love video chatting with my grandkids. When we see each other in person, they’re never shy—they already know me from our calls!

Skype, Zoom, or other computer video programs

Don’t have a smartphone? Or do you like using a bigger screen? You can still video chat using your computer. Programs like Skype and Zoom work great. If you’re using a desktop, you might need a camera and microphone. But most laptops already have those built in.

Amazon Echo Show

You may already know about Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. She can answer questions, play music, and even help you video chat! With an Echo Show device, you can make video calls to other Echo Shows. Some models have big screens, up to 15.6 inches wide!

Meta Portal

Meta Portal is another smart screen, like the Echo Show, but made by the people behind Facebook. One cool feature is its battery. You can carry it around the house while you chat with your grandkids. It feels like they’re right there with you!

Phone calls

This may sound simple, but phone calls still matter! Lots of people text these days, but hearing your grandchild’s voice is so much better. You can laugh, tell stories, and feel close—even from far away.

How to build a long-distance bond

You don’t need to live nearby to share laughs, make memories, and build strong bonds with your grandkids. Whether you’re playing online games, sharing traditions, or planning future visits, there are so many fun ways to stay connected. With just a little effort and creativity, your love can stretch across any miles!

Play online games together

Nothing beats playing board games with your grandkids—but you don’t have to be in the same room anymore! Many fun games can be played online together, right from your phone or computer. Some of my favorites are:

• Monopoly
• The Game of Life
• Words with Friends

Here are more free games I enjoy:

• Houseparty
• Yahtzee with Buddies
• Mario Kart Tour
• 8 Ball Pool
• Uno
• Boggle with Friends
• Pokémon Go
• Spaceteam

You can find these games by searching the App Store or Google Play on your phone or tablet.

Keep special traditions or long-distance “dates”

Traditions help us feel close, even when we’re far apart. Here are some easy ones you can start today over a phone or video call:

• Weekly storytime
• Book club (read the same book and talk about it—great for older grandkids)
• Share a hobby and chat weekly about your progress
• Take an online class together
• Cook the same recipe and eat “together” on a video call

Send surprise “thinking of you” mail

Your grandchild will love getting something in the mail! You can send a letter, a card with a dollar inside, or a small box with craft supplies and toys from Dollar Tree. Getting “snail mail” makes them feel special and shows them you’re thinking of them.

Be a good listener

Kids say funny and sweet things, but they also want to feel heard. When your grandchild talks, give them your full attention. Let them finish speaking before you respond. Don’t interrupt or talk over them. Treat their words with kindness and respect—just like you would with any adult.

Do things together, even when you’re apart

You don’t have to be in the same room to have fun together. Pick a recipe and cook it at the same time, or watch the same movie and talk about it after. You can even take a walk in different places and see who finds the coolest treasure. These shared moments help you stay close.

Ask questions

Asking questions shows your grandchild you care. If they love Minecraft, ask how the game works. If they’re into a sport or team, ask what they like about it. Did they go somewhere recently? Ask what they saw or liked best. Asking questions helps the conversation flow—and makes you an even cooler grandma!

Read also: 60 Fun Questions To Ask Your Grandkids That’ll Instantly Bring You Closer

Start planning your next visit

It’s never too early to plan your next visit! The next time you talk, make a list of things to do together—go to the park, visit a museum, bake cookies, or do all three! Making plans gives you both something fun to look forward to.

How to make the most of your visits with grandkids

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here—you’re back with your precious grandkids. Enjoy every second! To help make your visit even more special, here are a few friendly reminders:

Put away the phone

It’s tempting to take pictures and share them online (I get it—I love that too!). But try to keep screen time low while you’re with your grandchild. They’ll notice when you’re really present—and those moments matter more than any post.

Let the parents handle discipline

Unless your grandchild is hurting someone or themselves, try not to stress about small behavior issues. You’re not the parent—you’re the fun grandma! Don’t waste your short time together correcting little things. Focus on love, fun, and laughter instead.

Spend time doing something together

Watching a movie is nice, but this is a great chance to connect in other ways. Read a book, play at the park, bake cookies, or explore a museum together. These shared moments become the memories your grandchild will hold close forever.

Speak their love language

Every child feels love in different ways. If your grandchild likes hugs and snuggles, give lots of them! If they light up when you praise them, shower them with kind words. If they feel special when they get little gifts, surprise them with something fun like a candy bar. Learning their love language helps you grow even closer, fast. 

Let’s be honest—living far from your grandkids is hard. It can make your heart ache. But I hope this guide gives you some simple ways to stay close and keep your special bond strong. Even when you’re not together, you’re still their loving grandma—and they know just how much you care.

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