The pandemic has taught Americans many new ways of doing things, including working from home, cooking more and eating out less, working out at home rather than in a gym, and keeping in touch with loved ones. Fortunately, in an era where modern technology is at its finest, you have the tools to do all this and more.
According to the author of “How to Build the Grandma Connection” and social researcher Susan Bosak, grandkids with engaged grandparents have better self-esteem, social skills, and resistance towards peer pressure. Whether you live far from your grandkids or the pandemic has limited your visiting time with them, here are five ways to keep in touch with your grandkids during the pandemic.
1. Video chat
If you’ve worked from home at all during the pandemic, you know there are various video chat platforms great for connecting with others in remote locations. These platforms are just as helpful to keep in touch with your grandkids. There is a perfect video chat software for everyone from Zoom and Skype to Facetime and Google Duo.
You and your grandkids can do much more than just chit-chat while on your video call. You can play online games, form your own book club, help them with homework, or make arts and crafts together. SlingTV, a live TV streaming service, has recently come out with a virtual watch party feature that allows you to watch live TV shows with others. A virtual watch party would be a great way to spend time with your younger grandkids watching their favorite cartoons.
2. Social Media
Bonding with grandkids can be difficult if they have a particular preference on how they like to keep in touch with family members. Many grandkids today rely on social media platforms to keep up with friends and family. Therefore, consider connecting with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snap Chat.
Each social media platform has specific features that may make one outshine the other in your eyes. For example, if you want to stay up to date on changes in your grandkids’ lives, perhaps Facebook is the best way to keep in touch. However, if you prefer viewing pictures of their latest adventures, then head over to their Instagram profiles. SnapChat is also a great way to send short video chats back and forth that will give you the sense that they’re nearby.
3. Phone calls and texts
Although simplistic, a phone call or text goes a long way, especially with teenage grandkids. If you have younger grandkids, ask their parents if you can call them each evening to read them a bedtime story while on speakerphone. Falling asleep to the sound of your voice will likely be very soothing and memorable for them.
4. Handwritten letters
Writing letters to each other is a fun, old-fashioned way of keeping in touch. You can even take this chance to teach your grandkids how to write, address, and mail a letter correctly. Receiving and sending letters each week can be very exciting for younger grandkids. Possibly the best part of handwriting letters to each other is that you’ll each get to hold on to the letters as souvenirs, and you’ll be happy to know they’ll have something to remember you by in the future.
Once a month, instead of writing a letter to your grandkid, consider mailing a care package. Care packages for younger grandkids could include coloring books, markers, socks, masks, and toys, while older grandkids may enjoy makeup, journals, pens, masks, and books.
5. Online classes
One way you can keep in touch with grandkids that can be extra beneficial is to take an online class together. Attending online courses with your grandkid not only keeps you engaged in his life but also allows you both to learn something new.
For example, you could learn Spanish online together. Then, in your weekly video chats, you could try to carry a conversation in Spanish. You could also take cooking classes online with your older grandkids. A cooking class will give them much-needed life skills while spending time with you.
How to take caution if you visit your grandkids in person
While keeping in touch via technology can be nice, you may still feel the urge to visit with them in person. If so, be sure to take the proper precautions to keep you and your grandkids safe during the pandemic. Consider outdoor activities rather than indoor. Remain at least six feet apart as often as possible. Wear your masks and sanitize your hands after your visit. Do these things, and you’ll be able to keep in touch with your grandkids during the pandemic.