Let’s be real: the relationship between your kids and their grandparents is a special kind of magic. Grandparents have a way of mixing wisdom with a sprinkle of mischief, and honestly, most of us look back on time with ours as some of the warmest memories we have. But with busy schedules, distance, or even new living situations—like when a grandparent moves to a senior living community—it sometimes takes a little extra work to keep those connections strong. Luckily, that “work” can be the most fun you’ve had all week.
Here are some heartfelt tips to help your children and their grandparents share more than just a family tree.
Make Time, Don’t Just Find It
It’s easy to let months slip by with just the occasional birthday call or holiday lunch. But making grandparent time part of your family rhythm keeps it from getting lost in the shuffle. Maybe it’s Sunday video chats, Friday night cookie baking, or even just sending each other silly selfies once a week. The most important thing is that it’s regular—something both kids and grandparents can count on.
Get Creative with Visits (and Bridge the Distance)
If you live nearby, let your kids help plan visits. Even small routines—like a Saturday park outing or a trip to the library—turn into memories. If distance or health gets in the way, don’t be afraid to get techy. Teach grandparents to use video calls or set up a family group chat. Remember those days of pen pals? Snail mail is surprisingly magical for kids, and handwritten notes or care packages travel any distance.
Share Stories, Photos, and Little Pieces of History
Encourage your kids to ask about “the old days.” Grandparents have stories about first loves, epic vacations, and maybe a little mischief their own kids never heard. Let your children interview them, record a video, or piece together a family tree. Flip through photo albums or watch old home movies together. The weirder or funnier the story, the better!
Encourage (and Respect) Their Own Bond
Sometimes, kids will talk to Grandma in a way they never talk to you—and that’s completely okay! The grandparent-grandchild relationship is like its own little island. Step back and let it happen. Resist the urge to micromanage every interaction; some of the best chats happen when you’re just out of earshot.
Help Grandparents Stay Involved—Even From Afar
If a grandparent has moved into a senior living community, brainstorm ways to keep them part of the kids’ day-to-day. Share school projects, art work, or videos of the latest sports game or piano recital. Bring the kids for a visit and encourage them to spend time with the grandparent’s friends—they’ll get extra stories (and maybe cookies!) from the whole crew.
Take Advantage of Technology, But Don’t Fear the Simple Stuff
While video calls and texts are handy, sometimes the best connection is sharing a favorite recipe or planting a garden together in person. Little joint projects—knitting, woodworking, even making silly TikTok videos—go a long way in building memories.
Support Through Changes
Big changes can rattle even tight-knit families. If a grandparent is dealing with illness, grief, or simply adjusting to senior living, encourage honest conversations. Explain things to your kids in a gentle, age-appropriate way so they understand and feel involved.
Bottom line: a close grandparent relationship isn’t about perfect moments or grand gestures. It’s about shared time, laughs, and memories—together, in whatever way you can make it happen. Those ordinary moments? They’ll be the stories your kids treasure forever.
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