Staying connected with your grandchildren when they live far away can be challenging. Believe me, I know! I have seven grandchildren ranging from 20 years old to 11 months old. All but one live in Southern California, and I live in North Carolina. That’s practically a country apart! I admit, it’s been challenging to stay connected as there are extenuating circumstances surrounding most of the grandchildren.
I wish I had known about the ideas you’re about to read as I believe it would have made the connection between all of us stronger.
On the positive side, living far from your grandchildren presents a fantastic opportunity to get creative and make the U.S. Postal Service happy!
A Fun Story of Creative Thought
Before I get into the Five Ways, I want to share something I did for my granddaughter all through school and it might spark the same idea for you. When Micaiah was in first grade, I sent one red rose to her at her school on the first day of school. Second grade, 2 roses, third grade, 3 roses… and so on.
I always sent the same note: “Do a good day’s work and act like somebody!” It’s a saying that Andy says to Opie on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show.
To not embarrass her, I sent the roses to her house during her four high school years. Finally, the day arrived! The first day of her senior year in high school, she received a dozen roses from me, her grandma!
My Five Ideas for a Strong Relationship with Grandchildren
Now, let’s get into the Five Ideas so you can keep your relationship with your grandchildren strong and vibrant. The fun thing is that you can modify the items in each package, so they’re age appropriate and have appeal for each gender. The ideas are geared towards elementary school aged children, but, again, they can be adapted for older children.
Remember, these are just the beginning – let your imagination run wild!
#1 – Birthday in a Box
Who doesn’t love a surprise party, especially when it arrives in the mail? Imagine your grandchild’s delight when they receive a package filled with:
- Cake mix and frosting mix
- Party hats and tooters
- Confetti and cake decorations
- Balloons and bubbles
- A package of popcorn
- Candles and a Happy Birthday banner
- A disposable camera or parent’s cell phone
- A birthday card
Encourage them to have a little party and send you the pictures. They can also use Facetime or Google Duo to create an in-person experience. Not only will this create a memorable celebration, but it will also give you a glimpse into their special day.
#2 – Artist Day
Unleash your artistic grandchild’s inner Picasso with an “Artist Day” package. Fill a box with:
- Construction paper
- A new box of crayons and markers
- Stickers and a stencil kit
- A new coloring book
- Rubber stamps
- Watercolor paints and brushes
Ask your grandchild to create their masterpiece and send it back to you in a return, stamped envelope. Display their artwork proudly on your fridge or frame it to create a mini art gallery. This activity not only nurtures their creativity but also provides a tangible way to share their progress and imagination with you.
#3 – Reading Day
Spark a lifelong love of reading with a “Reading Day” package. Tailor the contents to your grandchild’s interests and age.
- Childhood classics
- A couple of nice bookmarks
- A book on a subject they love (sports, famous person, etc.)
- Magazines of interest
- A pad of paper for jotting down their own story ideas
Encourage them to write their own stories inspired by their reading and send them to you. You can even start a “family book club” where you both read the same book and discuss it over video calls or letters. This can be a wonderful way to bond over shared adventures in the pages of a book.
#4 – Gardening Day
Help your grandchild cultivate a green thumb with a “Gardening Day” package. Include:
- Gardening gloves
- Packages of seeds (flowers, herbs, or veggies)
- Some hand tools
- Plastic pots
- A bag of “good” dirt
- A book on planting
Guide your grandchild through the planting process via video call or letters. Watching their plants grow will be a rewarding experience, and they’ll have you to thank for their blossoming garden. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them patience and the joys of nurturing life.
#5 – Cooking Day
Turn your grandchildren into little chefs with a “Cooking Day” package. Fill the Budding Chef box with:
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Non-perishable ingredients
- A kids’ cookbook with simple recipes
- A few kitchen utensils for their very own use (these can be purchased at Dollar Tree for a minimal cost)
- A notebook with dividers (Appetizers, Breakfast, Main dishes, Vegetables, Salads, Desserts)
Encourage your grandchild to start their own family recipe notebook. They can add their favorite recipes, including ones you’ve shared with them. They might even invent their own recipes to send to you! Cooking together, even from afar, can create lasting memories and instill valuable skills. Again, Facetime or Google Duo can help enrich the experience.
Get Creative!
These five ideas are the tip of the iceberg. Tailor each package to your grandchild’s age, personality, and interests. The key is to make the interaction effort personal and fun. By sending these thoughtful packages, you’ll not only stay connected but also create lasting memories and foster a sense of closeness that distance can’t diminish.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your first package and see how your relationships blossom. Happy connecting!
Also read, INTRODUCING GRANDCHILDREN TO THE MOVIES YOU LOVE.
Let’s Exchange Ideas:
What creative ways have you used to connect with your distant grandchildren? Have you sent them packages, written letters or something else? If your grandchildren live nearby, how do you build your relationship with them?
