grandpa 1205

Those who live far from their children’s grandparents know that maintaining a special connection from afar is difficult—but it’s not impossible. Here are ways to keep kids in touch with long-distance grandparents, for National Grandparents Day (September) or any other time of year.

UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY
Social media makes it easy to share updates, photos and videos. Teach your parents to use social media, if you haven’t already. Be sure to also include interactive, real-time conversations in your communication routine. Erin Endrelunas of Cortez Hill plans weekly video calls to connect her 2-year-old daughter with both sets of grandparents in Naples, FL.

“There are some milestones you can capture in photos or videos, but being able to say ‘I love you’ or have your toddler ‘show’ grandparents her toys and see their real-time reactions is something special,” says Endrelunas.

Not sure how to keep the conversation going in your video chat? Ask grandparents to read a picture book or let the kids give an art show. If younger children get bored and run off to play, point the camera toward them so grandparents can experience day-to-day sights while your conversation continues.

NEGOTIATE TIME ZONES
It can be extra tricky to connect with loved ones when you live in different time zones. Make grandparents a list of convenient call times, noting naptimes and bedtimes—and convert it to their time zone. Ask them to do the same for you.

CALL ON YOUR COMMUNITY
There will be times when technology just won’t cut it. On days when a grandparent’s absence will be especially difficult, enlist the help of a proxy.

“Grandparents Day at school was hard for my brother and me,” says Laura Hendricks of Pacific Beach, “but my mom always made sure we were not left out. A close family friend stepped in for these events.” Hendricks grew up feeling a wonderful connection to her British grandparents, despite long-distance challenges.

FREQUENT FAVORITE PHOTO SITES
Photo gifts are a creative way to keep memories fresh between visits. Use a site like Shutterfly to make a custom book with photos and stories about grandparents. Pinhole Press offers board books for younger children, which are both sturdy and slobber-proof. Other options include building custom puzzles and memory games—a clever way to reinforce grandparents’ special place in your family.

VISIT WHEN ABLE
There’s nothing like an actual visit. If you live far from family, why not start a travel fund? Visiting won’t feel so financially overwhelming if you plan ahead and set aside a small amount each month. Make the journey to see your child’s grandparents as often as you can, and invite them to reciprocate. Your lucky kids will be well traveled, and very well loved!

 


Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer and mother of two boys. She is happy to live near family again, after five years on the opposite coast.

 

Get more ideas in the article "8 Ways to Connect with Grandparents When You Can't Be Together" at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/celebrate-grandparents-day.

 

Apple Picking with Kids in San Diego 2025

Apple Picking with Kids in San Diego 2025

Believe it or not, it's apple picking time in San Diego and we have all the insider info you need to know. The u-pick apple season typically starts in early/ mid-September and often ends in mid-Octo . . .

Read more

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in San Diego

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in San Diego

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture and achievement . . .

Read more

Ways to Celebrate Grandparents on Grandparents Day

Ways to Celebrate Grandparents on Grandparents Day

  Marian McQuade of West Virginia began with the simple idea of supporting the elderly in nursing homes, and ended with a national holiday, Grandparents Day. Declared a national holiday by Presi . . .

Read more

Fun Fall Family Traditions in San Diego

Fun Fall Family Traditions in San Diego

Traditions create family closeness and make memories that last a lifetime. If your family doesn’t already have fall traditions, try some of these ideas—you’re sure to look forward to them each . . .

Read more

How to Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

How to Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

The annual Moon Festival, which falls on Sept. 17 this year, is celebrated by many Asian communities around the world. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s a joyous time to gather with family . . .

Read more

Do It Yourself Diwali Celebrate the Festival of Light

Do It Yourself Diwali Celebrate the Festival of Light

Diwali: The Celebration of Light For one week each year, the earth shines a little brighter as millions of flickering oil-wick lamps light the planet for Diwali, the festival of lights. Be magically . . .

Read more

31 Days of Fall & Halloween Fun

31 Days of Fall & Halloween Fun

Ready for a fabulous month of autumnal fun? Here are 31 days of ideas for your family this October.  Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt for kids and their friends. Some items to search . . .

Read more

How to Make Halloween Door Wreaths

How to Make Halloween Door Wreaths

Make festive, not-too-spooky door wreaths for Halloween by repurposing pool noodles that are no longer in use. These fun family projects only require a glue gun and a few inexpensive supplies. Happy . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe