With today's active schedules and families frequently spread far
apart, maintaining close ties with grandchildren can seem
overwhelming. Below are ten tips to help stay in touch. Choose
the ones that work for you, then get creative and come up with some
of your own.
For grandparents whose grandchildren live far away:
- When time and finances permit, plan family reunions. Meet at a destination halfway between the families.
- Pay attention to the little things. Did you read a cartoon your grandson would enjoy? Clip it out and send it to him. Did you find a picture of a cat that resembled your granddaughter's pet? Mail it to her.
- Make sure you are computer savvy. Even the smallest children are computer-literate and enjoy communicating via email.
- Be aware of special events coming up in the child's life. Will he be baptized soon? You will probably want to try to attend. If that is not possible, send a card or small gift to commemorate this important day.
- Talk about it. Keep in touch with frequent phone calls.
For grandparents whose grandchildren live close by:
- Do your best to attend special events. Is your three-year-old granddaughter giving her first talk in Primary? If at all possible, plan to be there. (My husband and I did this when our granddaughter gave her first talk. She was thrilled to have her grandparents present.) Is there a Priesthood ordination coming up for your grandson? What about the Primary Sacrament Meeting program? Will your grandchildren be involved?
- Plan sleep-overs. Be sure to stock up on your grandchildren's favorite foods, along with some good books. Depending upon the children's ages, consider renting a movie everyone will enjoy. (An added bonus: the parents will enjoy a night on their own.)
- Arrange for monthly family home evenings. Trade off between homes. When it is your turn to prepare the lesson, remember to keep it short and to give it in terms your grandchildren can understand. Don't forget the treats.
- Make a date with the girls. Shopping and going for lunch are always favorites for grandmothers and granddaughters.
- Don't forget the boys. What about a fishing trip with grandpa and grandsons? Or how about an overnight camp-out? For older boys, plan a merit badge weekend.
