Want to improve your mood and sense of purpose? Connect with your grandchildren.
Studies show that strong grandparent-grandchild bonds benefit everyone. Adults gain purpose and relief from loneliness, while children develop better social skills and resilience. Research shows that children with involved grandparents have better emotional well-being, higher self-esteem, and improved coping skills during difficult times.
According to a grandparenting study from AARP, distance and busy schedules are the two biggest barriers keeping grandparents from spending quality time with grandchildren.
But geography doesn’t have to limit your relationship. Whether you live nearby or across the country, these resources and activities help you stay close to grandchildren who live far away and maintain meaningful connections.
Digital tools for long-distance grandparenting
The Long-Distance Grandparent: Dr. Kerry Byrne has studied aging, care, and family relationships for over 20 years. Her platform offers research-backed, practical ideas for staying connected with grandchildren from a distance. Sign up for her weekly newsletter or join the online membership program featuring video chat activities, expert grandparenting advice, and a supportive community helping grandparents connect with grandchildren across miles.
Playdatebox: Co-founded by two grandmothers, Playdatebox helps you build a supply of age-appropriate games and activities you can enjoy with grandkids — even from miles away. The company focuses on bringing more play into your relationship through activities, an online play library, and monthly playdate boxes. Subscribe to their free newsletter for creative playdate ideas delivered monthly.
More Than Grand: Founder DeeDee Moore created this resource hub full of tested advice for strengthening bonds with grandchildren and their parents. The platform offers a signature guide for new grandparents plus active Facebook and Instagram communities where you can access articles, tips, and support from other grandparents navigating long-distance relationships.
Podcasts for grandparents on the go
Modern grandparents stay busy — many still work, travel, socialize, and maintain active lifestyles. Podcasts offer inspiration and practical advice you can absorb while running errands, exercising, or driving to see your grandkids.
Adventures with Grammy: This podcast helps grandparents connect with grandchildren of all ages. Recent episodes have covered connecting with teenage grandchildren, playing pickleball together, and understanding dyslexia from a child’s perspective. It’s designed for grandparents on the go and parents who want their children to enjoy strong intergenerational relationships.
Go-To Grandma: Award-winning author and grandmother Kathy Buckworth interviews experts on topics every grandparent wants to hear about — from modern parenting techniques to food, technology, travel, fitness, health, and family dynamics.
Wow in the World: Listen alongside your grandchild or absorb episodes on your own to share fascinating facts during your next conversation. This podcast for kids (and the adults who love them) explores the latest in science, technology, and innovation in an engaging, age-appropriate format.
Simple activities that strengthen bonds
Technology is wonderful, but traditional connection methods still work beautifully for ways to bond with grandchildren:
Write letters together.
Send cards or notes through the mail. Better yet, invite your grandchild to be your pen pal — the anticipation of receiving real mail creates excitement that texts can’t match.
Read together.
Reading is one of the most powerful bonding activities across generations. Discover how to create a lifelong love of reading in your grandchildren starting from infancy. You can read the same book and discuss it over video chat or simply read aloud together during visits.
Create art together.
Draw, paint, or color pictures either in person or on video chat. Mail your creations to each other or collaborate on shared projects.
Share recipes and traditions.
Bake their favorite cookie recipe together or introduce them to treats you loved at their age. Food traditions create lasting memories and teach family history.
Be prepared for in-person visits.
When grandchildren do visit, being ready makes the time more meaningful. Learn how to build a useful baby kit for grandbaby visits so you can focus on connection instead of scrambling for supplies.
Making every moment count
Whether you have a few minutes for a video call, a few hours for a playdate, or a few days together, the investment matters. Building and maintaining strong bonds with grandchildren brightens everyone’s day and creates memories that last well beyond childhood.
Small, regular interactions help you connect with grandchildren in meaningful ways that build stronger bonds than occasional grand gestures. Choose methods that fit your lifestyle and your grandchild’s age, and watch your relationship deepen. Consistency matters more than perfection when grandparenting from a distance.
Frequently asked questions about connecting with grandchildren
Q: How often should I contact my long-distance grandchildren?
A: Consistency matters more than frequency. Whether it’s a weekly video call, daily text messages, or monthly letters, regular contact helps grandchildren feel your presence in their lives. Coordinate with parents to find a schedule that works for everyone without feeling overwhelming.
Q: What if my grandchild seems uninterested in talking on video calls?
A: Young children often struggle with traditional video conversations. Try activity-based calls instead — read a book together, play simple games like “I Spy,” show them something interesting (pets, garden, cooking), or just be present while they play. Keep calls short and let them lead the interaction.
Q: How can I connect with teenage grandchildren who seem too busy?
A: Text rather than call — teens prefer quick, low-pressure communication. Share interesting articles, memes, or ask specific questions about their interests. Respect their schedule and independence while showing consistent interest in their lives. Listen more than you advise.
Q: What are the best activities for connecting with grandchildren of different ages?
A: For babies and toddlers: reading, singing, and peek-a-boo work well even on video. For elementary age: games, crafts, and storytelling. For tweens and teens: discuss their interests, share your expertise in areas they’re curious about, or work on projects together. Adapt activities to match their developmental stage and personal interests.
Q: How can I stay close to grandchildren who live far away?
A: Use multiple connection methods: schedule regular video calls, send care packages or handwritten letters, share photos and updates through texts or email, read the same books and discuss them, and plan annual visits when possible. Consistency creates closeness even across distance.
