It can be challenging to keep in touch with grandparents and older relatives, especially if they live in another state or country. However, it’s still important to keep in touch with grandparents and our elderly friends and families so as not to have them feel isolated. Here are some ways that kids can stay connected with grandparents and elderly relatives.
Use the phone
Get on the phone and let kids have a conversation with their grandparents. Just hearing their grandkids voices goes a long way in not feeling isolated. You can arrange to have a long call once a week or do a short call every day which is a great way to unobtrusively check in on older relatives. As some grandparents may be heard of hearing, encourage kids to speak louder and clearer.
Meet up virtually
If grandparents have an iPhone or iPad, use Facetime to virtually meet up. Being able to see faces as well as hearing voices can help reduce the feelings of social isolation. If they don’t have Apple devices, but have an Android device or a computer, help them download Skype to have video calls instead. What’s App also works well if they have that installed.
Write a letter
Get your kids to write a letter or a card to their grandparents or elderly relatives and either drop it off or send it through the mail. In this time of email, it’s special to receive a handwritten letter. If your kids are too young to write, let them scribble or draw on a letter or a card. That’s equally as special.
Send flowers
Bring some joy to your grandparents and send them a bouquet of flowers. Or if you live nearby, choose some flowers yourself and leave it on their doorstep. A bright beautiful bunch of flowers certainly brightens up someone’s day and lets them know you’re thinking of them.
Organise a care package
Look after elderly family members and organise off a care package. If they need groceries, do a shop and leave it for them with the essentials. Or if they just need some treats, make them a customised care package that they will appreciate including chocolates, homemade snacks, hand lotion, books, magazines and crossword or Sudoku puzzle books.
Send them a photo book
If grandparents can’t see you in person, give them the next best things, photos. Create a photo book and get it sent directly to them. It’s a wonderful keepsake for them to look at if you can’t see them in person. You and the kids can create the photobook online. Different companies that offer this service are Big W Photos, Snapfish and Harvey Norman Photos.
Watch a movie or TV show together
If you and other relatives have Netflix or Disney, you can watch it together. You can use Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) to link up with friends and host long-distance movie nights and TV watch parties today! It’s free to get Teleparty.
Do a virtual storytime
If you both have copies of a picture book, grandparents can read a picture book out loud to their grandkids, via the phone or Facetime, while kids follow along with their own copy.
Play games together
If grandparents are on Facebook, you can play online Facebook games together like Words With Friends, Apple Arcade games, Quiz Planet and Uno. Otherwise, choose from a variety of free online games on Tabletopia that you can play with family members.
Create music playlists
If grandparents are on Spotify or Apple Music, share playlists. Grandparents can create and share music that they enjoy listening to and kids can do the same. It’s a great way to share music and find common ground.
Get help with homework
If grandparents want to help, they can assist with homework. Use Facebook or Zoom to help kids with assignments, review for tests or just explain concepts. Even practicing times tables or the alphabet helps with younger kids.
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