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Being Flexible as a Long Distance Grandparent When Grandkids Are Tired of Technology
Is digital fatigue in kids really a thing? Is it possible our grandkids could actually be tired of technology?
Here we are on day, well….I don’t even know what number day we’re on in our Covid-19 Shelter in Place order. In fact there are times I’m not even sure what day of the week it is! There are states beginning to open up, and places where the virus is continuing to increase, and there are plenty of opinions all around of how we should or shouldn’t be doing things.
Not to mention that many are continuing to work from home, and parents are on the long last stretch to continue home schooling until summer break. Our calendars quickly fill up with virtual meetings. And we wonder why everyone is tired?
Are We (grandparents) Adding to Digital Fatigue?
Zoom Fatigue is in the news, and that news is hitting this long distance grandparent hard! For one, long distance grandparents are the kings and queens of virtual connections. This is our land. And yet suddenly it’s being invaded by every avenue of life possible! We certainly don’t want to add to the digital fatigue our families are experencing, but we also don’t want to miss connecting with our grandkids. Even though most kids don’t have back to back meetings all day, the change in their everyday lives can still cause fatigue.
With that in mind, we’ve created a list of 10 things to consider as we bridge the distance during Covid.
10 Tips to Avoid Adding to Digital Fatigue in Kids
1.Check In – As always, check in with your grandchild’s parents to find the best time to connect. While it may seem their schedules should be wide open without days at school or after school activities, they still have plenty of responsibilities. Kids are attempting to complete school work at odd hours due to needing direction from parents who are working during the day. They are connecting with friends they normally would have seen at school. They may be helping watch younger siblings, or assuming extra responsibilities around the home so that everyone can get things done. Assuming they have wide open time slots for us is far from true.
2. Be Flexible – If you have set times you usually call or videochat, be open to change. Equally important you should be ready to change not only the time, but possibly the format. Some simple ways to do that would be to:
6 Ways to Connect Without Using Videochat
- Use the actual phone part of your phone and have a quick conversation. You could play the high low game of their best and worst part of the day. And be ready to listen. You may be the one person they can share their frustrations with!
- Use technology that lets everyone connect at their own pace – use Marco Polo or play Words with Friends.
- Send text messages and photos that don’t require a reply.
- Share a spotify list with each other.
- Send them a postcard, or letter of encouragement via snail mail
- This might be a great time to have a care package delivered with their favorite snacks.
3.Help with homework – Offer to help with schoolwork if parents are in virtual meetings.
4.Offer to babysit – For younger children, offer to ‘babysit’ (while parents are nearby of course). Read stories, play a virtual game, sing songs and tell some jokes with your grandkids. This might just help your grown kids get a much needed item crossed off their to do list.
Grandkids Still Crave Interaction
The good news is that humans are social people, and we crave interaction with those who are important in our lives. Grandkids and grandparents relationships are the perfect example of this. One day we will again be royalty in the land of Zoom, but until that time comes we can still be a fun and safe refuge in their lives that have changed so much in such a short time.
As we try to avoid digital fatigue in kids, you may find yourself missing those visual cues and be lost for words. Fear not! Here’s a recent blog post with great conversation starters. Especially for your teens!
