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As grandparents, staying connected with our grandkids can sometimes be a challenge, especially when their schedules become increasingly busy. Effective communication with busy grandkids is crucial, particularly during the school year, holidays, or even the summer months. Anyone else feel Summers are becoming just as busy as the school year? Reflecting back to when my own kids were younger, I remember the whirlwind of activities that came with each season—school supplies, new clothes, sports physicals, practices, school pictures, meeting roommates, and signing up for classes. It often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day, but eventually, we all settled into a rhythm.
As a grandparent, you might notice less communication and fewer opportunities for spontaneous visits as your grandkids get older and busier. It’s important to understand these changes and find ways to support our grown children and their kids during these hectic times. This helps maintain strong family bonds and ensures that everyone feels connected and supported.
6 Key Tips for Staying Connected
Here are six key tips to help you stay connected and maintain strong relationships with your grandkids, no matter how busy life gets:
1. Be Flexible
With everyone’s schedules, it can be hard to find time to get together. Even the best-laid plans often go awry. Use a pencil on your calendar and be ready to come up with Plan B. Flexibility is key when planning family activities.
2. Communicate Your Plans
As excited as you might be to surprise the grandkids with a visit, it could end up causing stress if their plans aren’t adaptable to your presence. Always make sure someone has signed off on your plans to avoid any potential stress or guilt.
3. Stay Informed
Ask parents to share their kids’ schedules and check out the school or university calendar online. Follow their schools on social media, or subscribe to local newspapers to track their sports teams. Keeping up with their activities gives you plenty to talk about when you do get the chance to connect and makes your heart happier knowing what’s going on in their lives.
4. Keep It Simple
Look for simple ways to connect with your grandkids. If you get a visit, keep expectations low and plans simple. Let them take the lead. If in-person visits aren’t possible, consider a quick Facetime call or a timely text based on their schedules.
5. Express Your Needs Clearly
It’s important to communicate your needs without putting your grandkids or grown kids on the defensive. Instead of asking why they haven’t called, express understanding of their busy schedules and share that a quick text from them “feels like a hug.” This opens the door for a more supportive and understanding conversation.
6. Show Grace
Transitioning from one busy season to another is challenging for everyone. Show compassion to your grandkids and yourself as you all adjust to the new normal. Remember, no one does it perfectly, and everyone experiences some anxiety or stress with new schedules. So go easy on yourself and those around you.
20 Quick Tips for Maintaining Communication with Busy Grandkids
Here are 20 quick tips to help you stay connected with your grandkids, no matter how busy their schedules might be:
- Send a Weekly Text: A simple “thinking of you” message can mean a lot.
- Schedule Regular Calls: Set a specific time each week for a quick phone call.
- Use Social Media: Follow their activities on social media platforms.
- Share Memes or Jokes: Light-hearted content can keep the communication lines open.
- Attend Their Events if Nearby: Show support by attending sports games, concerts, or recitals.
- Send Care Packages: Surprise them with a box of their favorite treats or small gifts. (READ: Things to Mail Your Grandkids)
- Video Calls: Use Facetime or Zoom for virtual visits.
- Send Handwritten Letters: A personal touch can be very meaningful. (I’ve had THE BEST success utilizing mail more as my grandkids get older. Check out the PLUS membership for monthly fun and easy snail mail connections.)
- Plan Future Visits: Look ahead and schedule time together.
- Ask About Their Interests: Show genuine interest in their hobbies and activities.
- Be a Good Listener: Sometimes, just being there to listen is enough.
- Share Family Stories: Tell them about their family history and your own experiences.
- Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.
- Be Positive: Keep the conversations upbeat and positive.
- Send Photos: Share pictures from your day-to-day life to stay connected.
- Read the Same Book: Choose a book to read together and discuss.
- Cook Together Virtually: Share recipes and cook together over a video call.
- Help with Homework: Offer to help with school assignments if needed.
- Play Online Games: Find fun online games to play together or via a mobile app. Always get parent approval!
- Encourage Them: Offer words of encouragement and support regularly.
Embrace All Seasons
Life is busy for everyone, regardless of the season. Fall brings the start of a new school year, holidays can be filled with gatherings and events, and summer often offers a more relaxed feel but comes with its own activities and commitments. By understanding and adapting to these varying schedules, you can find the best ways to stay connected and maintain strong relationships with your grandkids.
Stay Engaged Year-Round
It’s important to recognize that communication with busy grandkids requires effort and understanding. The tips provided can help you stay connected and supportive, no matter how busy life gets. Whether it’s through regular texts, phone calls, mail, or attending their events when possible, your involvement and interest in their lives will help keep the family bond strong.