A quick text to ask about a grandchild’s day, a video call to catch up face-to-face—technology can help you stay involved in your grandchildren’s lives when busy schedules or distance limit time together.
Key Takeaways
- Child safety comes first. Ask parents before sharing children’s photos or helping younger grandchildren create online accounts.
- Use technology to support meaningful family connections without expecting it to replace visits or other communication methods.
- Popular ways to connect with grandchildren include video calls, text messages, and virtual games.
Ways to Connect
You do not need several new devices to stay connected with your grandchildren. Start with one tool your family already knows, or ask a relative to help everyone set up an option that works across their existing devices.
Social Media and Video Messaging Apps
Social media and video messaging apps offer several ways to keep up with family updates and share moments when you cannot be together. Best of all, many are free! Facebook and Instagram, for example, can help you keep up with family updates through photo-focused posts. Marco Polo lets you exchange recorded video messages when live calls are difficult to schedule. And for younger grandchildren, Messenger Kids lets you stay connected while giving parents control over contacts and account settings.
While social media can help bring your family together, it’s important to use it strategically so you can keep everyone safe.
Ways to protect the privacy of your family online include:
- Before connecting through any app, ask the child’s parent which platform they prefer and what you may share.
- Use a strong, unique password for each account and turn on two-factor authentication when available.
- Limit post visibility to people you know.
- Never post a child’s location, school, or schedule.
- If an unfamiliar account sends you a link or request, ignore it.
- If a family member you are already “friends” with on social media sends another request to connect, confirm it with your family before responding; it may be a scammer posing as a loved one trying to access your private posts.
Texting and Messaging Apps
Texting makes it easy to share everyday moments. You might ask how your grandchild’s soccer game went, send a photo from your daily walk, or exchange voice messages on apps like WhatsApp.
Before starting a conversation or family group chat, ask the child’s parent which messaging app they prefer. Then, talk with your grandchild about how often they would like to hear from you. A funny photo every few days may feel more natural than a daily check-in.
To keep family messages secure when texting:
- Use a strong password for any app.
- Do not share any information that could help someone locate the child.
- Do not click unfamiliar links.
- Call your family member directly if you receive a request for money or personal information; it may be a scammer posing as a loved one.
Video Call Apps
Video calls give you a chance to catch up face-to-face, even when you live far apart. Zoom and Google Meet are popular options, while FaceTime may work well for families who use Apple devices. No matter what you choose, stick to just one app that everyone feels comfortable using.
To make the first family call run smoother, ask a relative to help you download the app, adjust the camera, and practice joining a call.
Interactive Apps
Interactive apps give younger grandchildren something to do while you talk. Caribu, for example, combines video calls with digital books, games, and drawing activities. Let your grandchild choose an activity, or take turns picking what you will do during each call.
Before downloading an app, ask the child’s parent to review it and handle the account settings. Check whether the app requires a subscription, and follow its current age requirements.
Shared Photo Albums
Want to share family photos without a social media account? A shared digital album may be worth exploring, such as Google Photos and Apple Shared Albums.
Best practices for setting up and using a digital family photo album include:
- Asking parents which photos they feel comfortable sharing and who may view the album.
- Only inviting people the family knows
- Not sharing the album link without permission.
- Not adding photos that show a child’s school, current location, or regular schedule.
Ideas for the Next Family Video Chat
A little planning can make a video call feel more natural, especially with younger grandchildren. Ways to make the most of your next family video chat include:
Plan a Themed Night
Pick a simple theme based on something your grandchild enjoys, then build the call around it. You could wear a favorite team color, talk about a shared hobby, or show an item related to the theme. Ask the child’s parent whether any supplies or prep are needed. It’s a great way to keep each call unique and engaging for the whole family.
Read a Story Together
Virtual story time gives younger grandchildren something specific to watch and discuss. Ways to arrange virtual story time include:
- Either you hold a book up to the camera or arrange for both you and your grandkid to have a copy.
- When possible, let your grandchild choose the story.
- Stop occasionally to look at the pictures or ask what they think might happen next.
Play a Game
Games give you something fun to focus on while catching up. Younger grandchildren may enjoy charades or a guessing game, while older grandchildren can teach you one of their favorite online games. You could also play a familiar board game by setting up the same game in both homes.
Before starting, always ask the child’s parent before downloading a game or creating an account. And, if the game includes online chat, confirm who can contact your grandchild and follow the family’s rules for online play.
Cook a Family Recipe
Choose a familiar recipe and make it together from separate kitchens. A parent or guardian can supervise younger children as needed. Beyond offering a delicious way to spend time together, this activity also helps you share family history and stories with the next generation.
Specific Strategies and Best Practices to Connect
The right habits can make technology easier to use while keeping communication respectful.
Blend Traditional and Digital Communication
Technology does not need to replace phone calls or handwritten notes. A grandchild might enjoy receiving a birthday card and then opening it with you during a video call. You could also mail a book and read it together online.
For best results, pay attention to the forms of communication your grandchild enjoys, then adjust accordingly. For example, a younger child may prefer a short video, while an older grandchild might be more comfortable texting.
Maintain Reliable Wi-Fi Access
Virtual activities work better with a steady internet connection. If calls frequently freeze or disconnect, ask a trusted relative to check your device and router to see what could be causing the lag.
Set Boundaries and Clear Expectations
Setting and respecting boundaries can make everyone feel more comfortable with virtual communication. Ways to get started include:
- Talking with parents about which communication tools the family will use.
- Asking when calls are welcome and what information you can share.
- Not pressuring grandchildren to answer immediately when they are at school or spending time with friends.
- Reviewing privacy settings together as a family.
- Following all age requirements.
- Never creating an account for a child without approval from their parents.
Practice Active Listening
Physical devices and apps are just tools for connecting us; we still need to practice basic communication skills to make the most of virtual visits.
When you’re on the phone with your grandkids, try active listening practices like:
- Giving your grandchild time to finish speaking.
- Asking follow-up questions about what they share.
- Putting away other distractions during the conversation.
- Asking your grandchild to speak a little more slowly or move to a quieter room if you have trouble hearing.
Create a Consistent Routine
A routine can make it easier to stay in touch. You might schedule a monthly video call or exchange messages throughout the week. Ask your family what works for them, and adjust as schedules change.
Do not worry if your grandchild cannot always respond right away. A quick photo, text, or video message can still let them know you are thinking about them.
Use Basic Online Safety Practices
A few basic precautions can help protect your accounts and personal information while you connect with family online:
- Create a different password for each account. The Federal Trade Commission recommends using long passwords and turning on two-factor authentication when available.
- Ignore unfamiliar links and unexpected requests for personal information.
- Be cautious when a message sounds unusual, even if it appears to come from someone you know.
- Call your family member directly before sending money, sharing personal information, or responding to a suspicious request.
Staying Close in a Way That Works for Your Family
You do not need to master every new app to stay involved in your grandchildren’s lives. One familiar tool and a little consistency may be enough. Let your family’s preferences guide the process, and remember that video calls or messages can complement the meaningful connection you already share.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or healthcare advice, express or implied.
