As a child I was jealous of kids who could visit their grandparents after school. Having grandparents who lived close by seemed like so much fun! But when physical and social distancing is necessary for everyone’s health, maintaining connection can be a challenge, even for grandparents who live just down the street. If you’re looking for new and inventive ways to maintain close relationships between generations, try these ideas.
Social Distancing Dinner
Have dinner outside when schedules permit, spacing chairs more than six feet apart and enjoying time together. This is an easy way to stay connected with grandparents who live close by. Consider a regular weekly dinner date.
Read a Book Together
My mother calls my 8-year-old daughter at the same time every morning to read another chapter of The Borrowers. This not only keeps her connected with her grandmother, but also offers the benefits of reading aloud, such as building vocabulary and creating a positive attitude towards reading.
Play Online Games
Just because you can’t get together in person doesn’t mean game night is out of the question. Try online games such as Scrabble Go or Spyfall, or apps such as Together or Houseparty. Just as playing traditional board games offers educational benefits, online games can help develop skills such as vocabulary and math.
Text and Email
Have kids text and email grandparents. It’s a great way to practice writing, while putting a smile on their faces.
Utilize the Post Office
Receiving personal correspondence in the mail always brightens someone’s day. Sending mail is easier than ever—TouchNote is an app that allows families to create and send photo cards from a phone. As an added bonus, kids can learn the conventions of letter writing.
Video Chat
If you’re not already, consider using Zoom and FaceTime to keep grandparents and kids connected.
“We have lots of FaceTime calls with our 1-year-old granddaughter in Arkansas,” says Jen Morrison. “Usually it's when she's eating dinner because that's the only time she's pretty stationary. She likes the entertainment while eating—and it's a great way for us to keep up with her.”
My own family has a weekly Zoom call with my parents, brother, nephews and children all on the same call.
Take an Online Class Together
Find a local online class that interests both kids and adults, such as a yoga or dance, and register to take it together. Or check www.outschool.com for a variety of classes that appeal to different age groups, such as a themed cooking class.
Or, encourage the grandparent or child to be the teacher (children can often give lessons on how to use technology)! Gabrielle Nidus discovered a resourceful way to keep her son’s and mother’s relationship close. Her mother gives her son daily piano lessons over Skype.
“It’s all virtual. They play piano and then talk, which my son insists on,” says Nidus. “She's all by herself so I think she appreciates the company. I am so grateful to her for learning how to Skype and sharing her love of music with him. It is a new bond between them.”
Create Online Artwork Together
Zoom has a screen-sharing option that lets kids and grandparents create artwork together. What a fun way to connect!
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Jill Morgenstern is a freelance writer.
Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day! Discover ways to celebrate at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/ways-to-celebrate-grandparents-on-grandparents-day.
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