The generation gap between you and your grandchildren is very real. This can impact upon your relationship with them. You probably feel it more than they do. So, if you feel like they’re speaking another language, how can you connect with your grandkids?
With families living further apart, face to face contact might be a rare occurrence. If you’re tech-savvy, your device can be a great way to see, hear and communicate with your grandkids. If time zones are tricky, sms-ing is an option which also gives your grandkids a choice about when to respond to you. It can be nice to see your grandchild’s face and hear their voice, so if you know how to make a zoom/teams/whatsapp call, it could be a good solution.
But, if using technology is a barrier, snail mail letters could be an option. It’s unusual to receive post these days. Care packages and letters with photos or other mementos can be very meaningful. If you prefer to write, go ahead, but hold realistic expectations regarding how often or if you receive a reply.
If you live close to your family and are able to see your grandchildren in person, you might ask yourself what you can do together. The ages of your grandkids, your mobility and where you meet will determine which activities you do, but here are some suggestions:
Cook together
Play a board game/do a puzzle
Read together
Spend some time outdoors either playing games, sports, visiting a park or gardening
Learn something from them, and then reciprocate – this makes both of you experts in your field
Ask each other questions about your experiences, then listen to the answers
Go to see an exhibition, gallery, museum or performance together
Make something together, get crafty
If you are in a care home, living a long way away or without transport, you may feel disconnected from your grandchildren’s lives. Open communication about your needs and working together to find some solutions will help you keep in touch. As it is beneficial socially, emotionally and physically for both of you to stay in touch, it’s worth the effort to find ways to do so. So if ‘How can I connect with my Grandkids?” is a question you’re asking, I encourage you to talk to your children and grandchildren to find a solution together.
