Staying Connected as 21st Century Grandparents

Keep the connections going.

I know how much we are looking forward to those in-person interactions again, especially with grandchildren. But there is something valuable about the online tools and apps we’ve learned to use in the last year. If the grandkids love hi-tech, I support keeping up with their interests so we can keep in touch more often.

Here are some of my favorite ways to keep connected the 21st century way. Have questions about how any of them work? Ask the grandkids! I bet they would enjoy being your tutor.

Social Media

Your grandkids are probably on the most popular social media apps: Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Create your account and ask them to add you as a “friend.” You may not be talking all of the time, but these apps will let you know what’s going on in their lives. You may even have fun posting videos and photos of your own.

Video Chat

The most popular chat applications for both families and businesses are Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. Think video conference call with unlimited possibilities. You can catch up on family news, hold a virtual dinner, or have modified game nights of Bingo, Spoons, Charades, Minute to Win It, Mad Libs, and more.

Online Games

Game on! Not all multi-layer games are ultra-competitive or involve weapons. Ask your grandkids if they are playing games like Minecraft, Mario Kart Tour, and Pokemon Go—the most popular for kids of all ages right now. I bet they would enjoy teaching you how to play.

Movie Night

Several streaming services now include the option to watch a movie with others. Each viewer needs to have a subscription but you do not need to be on the same account. Features include a group chat while watching so you can comment on the action, guess the answer to the mystery, and more. Streaming and cable subscription channels that offer the Watch Party feature include Netflix, Prime, Hulu, and HBO/HBO Max.

Family History

Websites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage.com are great ways to share your family’s history with your grandkids. You may be helping with a school project, or maybe there’s a future family heritage trip to plan.

Use Hi-Tech to Plan for More Visits

If it’s been a while, I hope you get to see your grandchildren in person soon. The best part about keeping in touch online is that it gives you an opportunity to plan more in-person visits.

Have you been dreaming of a fun-filled family reunion? It could take place at your permanent or seasonal home in beautiful South Florida. Let me help you make it happen.

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