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Isn’t it wonderful how, even though we’re miles apart from our beloved grandchildren, we can still find ways to stay close and connected? I’ve discovered a few tricks over the years, and I thought I’d share them with you all. Here are some activities that I’ve tried with my grandkids that help us feel close, even when we’re far apart. Maybe a few of these ideas will work for you too!
1. Virtual Storytime
One of my absolute favorite things is setting up a weekly video call to read stories to my grandkids. We call it “Storytime with Grandma,” and it’s a tradition they look forward to each week. I love choosing books that capture their imaginations, and I make sure to use silly voices to bring the characters to life. Sometimes, I’ll even grab a funny hat or prop to add a little more magic. These moments become so special for both of us, and even though we’re miles apart, it feels like we’re snuggled up together, enjoying the same story.
2. Old-Fashioned Letters
In a world filled with texts and emails, there’s something so nostalgic and wonderful about sending and receiving handwritten letters. I started a pen-pal tradition with my grandkids, and now we exchange notes, drawings, and even little surprises in the mail. Seeing their excitement when they get something from “Grandma” is priceless, and I adore finding their sweet letters in my mailbox. Plus, it gives them a fun way to practice their writing skills and express their creativity.
3. Cooking Together (Sort of!)
We all know cooking with grandchildren can be messy and fun, but distance doesn’t have to stop us from enjoying that experience together. We plan “cooking dates” where we both make the same recipe over video call. Sometimes, it’s a simple batch of cookies or pancakes, and other times, we get adventurous with something new. It’s always a bit chaotic, but we laugh through it, and at the end, we get to show off our creations to each other. The best part? No need to clean up each other’s messes!
4. Games Online
At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d take to playing online games with my grandkids, but it’s turned into such a fun way to connect! We’ve been playing games like “Words with Friends” and other puzzle apps, and it adds a friendly competition to our relationship. We laugh, strategize, and chat about our progress throughout the week. It’s a great way to stay engaged and sharp, and I’m always learning something new from them!
5. Virtual Museum Adventures
The world is at our fingertips these days, and many museums now offer virtual tours. My granddaughter loves art, so we’ve visited several art museums together from the comfort of our homes. I let her guide me through her favorite exhibits, and we discuss the pieces that catch our eye. It’s a lovely way to share interests and explore new cultures, history, and beauty together, without having to leave our living rooms!
6. Our Own Little Book Club
Starting a mini book club with my grandkids has been such a rewarding way to bond. We pick a book—sometimes it’s a fun adventure, other times it’s a classic story—and we read it at our own pace. When we finish, we hop on a call to talk about our favorite parts, characters, and any lessons we learned. The conversations are always lively, and I love hearing their unique perspectives on the stories we share.
7. Video Messages
There are days when schedules get busy and we don’t have time for a long chat, so instead, we exchange short video messages. A quick hello, a funny moment, or even a joke—it’s a simple but effective way to stay connected. They love showing me what they’re up to, and I’ll send them a clip of my day or something cute the dog did. These little videos brighten my day and keep our relationship close.
8. Gardening Projects
I love to garden, and I’ve found a way to share that passion with my grandkids, even from afar. We each planted the same seeds—flowers or veggies—and we’ve been comparing our plants’ progress through photos and video chats. It’s a slow, rewarding project that teaches patience and care, and I love that we’re both nurturing something together, even while we’re apart.
9. Art Projects Across the Miles
Getting creative with my grandkids has always been a joy, and distance doesn’t stop us from sharing our artistic sides. Sometimes we work on similar art projects over video calls, and other times we’ll mail our pieces back and forth, adding our own touches to each other’s work. It’s like creating a masterpiece together, and while some projects turn out more “unique” than expected, it’s always a wonderful way to stay connected.
10. Dance Parties (Why Not?)
Who says you can’t have a dance party just because you’re in different places? Every once in a while, I’ll put on some fun music, and we’ll dance together over video. I love seeing their carefree moves, and they get a kick out of watching me try to keep up! It’s a wonderful way to get a little exercise, share some laughs, and simply have fun together.
11. Writing Stories Together
My grandkids have such vivid imaginations, and one way we tap into that is by writing stories together. We take turns adding to the story, and each of us gets to put our own spin on the plot. I’ll write a chapter, then mail or email it to them to continue, and they’ll do the same. By the time we’re done, we’ve created a whole world together. It’s a delightful exercise in creativity, and something we can cherish for years to come.
12. Solving Puzzles Together
Sometimes we just want to relax and do something quiet together. That’s where solving puzzles comes in. We’ll work on jigsaw puzzles online, or we’ll tackle a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. It’s a fun way to challenge our minds, and I love hearing their ideas on what fits where or which word goes best. It’s a peaceful, bonding activity that we can enjoy while chatting.
13. Virtual Craft Sessions
Crafting has always been a big part of my life, and luckily, my grandkids love it too! We’ll plan virtual craft sessions, where we both make something over video. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or working on a small project with paper and glue, we get to share our creations and inspire each other’s creativity. It feels like we’re sitting side by side at the craft table, chatting away while making something special.
14. Show and Tell
Remember the joy of “show and tell” when we were kids? Well, it works just as well over video! Every now and then, we’ll do our own version. The grandkids show me something special from their day. A toy, a drawing, or something they’ve discovered and I’ll show them something from my life. It’s a simple way to bring a piece of our everyday world into each other’s lives, and it always sparks wonderful conversations.
15. Watching Movies Together
Thanks to technology, we can now watch movies or shows together even when we’re apart. There are a few streaming services that allow us to sync our viewing, so we’re watching at the same time. We pick a movie, get cozy with some popcorn, and afterward, we chat about our favorite parts and characters. It feels like we’re sharing the same couch, just like old times
