Ohio Department of Aging
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September 2005
Grandchildren grow up so fast. Never has this old adage been truer than today. With hectic schedules, soccer practice, school and other obligations, they are often too busy to stop and call grandma or go fishing with grandpa. As a result, many miss out on one of the most important relationships in their lives, and a wealth of experience and wisdom.
Kids today are more excited by surfing the internet than riding a bike. Thinking back to our streamer-adorned handle bars, we may have trouble understanding today's youth, but we must if we hope to connect and stay connected.
Grandparent's Day, the first Sunday after Labor Day, is a national holiday created by a West Virginia homemaker to encourage grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage of their grandparents. When Marian McQuade first had the notion of sharing and enriching the lives of two different generations through this holiday, she was unaware of the multitude of ways that connection could occur. It is up to each of us to find the best way to connect with our most precious treasure, our grandchildren.
Connecting with your grandkids online may not seem to you to be the most personal way to keep in touch, but will be right up the kids' alley. E-mail may be new to many seniors, but it is not new to our grandchildren. Why not take advantage of the Internet as a communications tool? The Internet allows us to communicate when it is most convenient for us. We can email birthday greetings or family pictures to loved ones after dinner and they'll get them in the morning or after school.
Another fun resource for connecting via the web is "blogging." A blog (short for "Web log") is an online journal where you can post stories, notes and photographs. The blog can even have multiple users, so other family members can add their own content and comment on other's entries. There are many free services that can help you set up and maintain a blog. Blogging is not only useful for staying in touch, but also encourages writing practice and basic web concepts for youngsters.
A more traditional form of communication is the telephone. Share in a weekly phone call to the child at a pre-arranged time. Encourage each child to share a "news" item with you, something only he or she can reveal. That way a phone call becomes an event that everyone looks forward to. Many mobile or cell phone companies now offer family plans, where family can call for free or share minutes on the same plan with separate phones. There are even web-based phone services that you can use to call through your computer's Internet connection.
Video cameras are another wonderful tool for keeping in touch. Video tape yourself reading a story or telling anecdotes of your ancestors and give the tapes or DVDs to your grandchildren as gifts. These serve as an oral family history, and a reminder of you. They will have a visual, interactive way to recall you between visits.
For distant families, visits are often infrequent, but treasured. Arrange for regular visits with your grandchildren and have them visit you. See each grandchild separately if you can. Individual attention allows your relationship to be different and strong with each child. Doing things one-on-one makes them feel unique.
This year September 11th is Grandparent's Day, an opportunity for starting new traditions and rituals to grow the relationship with our grandchildren throughout the year. It is a reminder of the bond we need to nurture regularly.
Ohio Department of Aging