Being a long-distance grandparent, I cherish the moments when I sense a new connection blossoming with my grandkids. These moments appear as sweet surprises and pop up out of nowhere during our regular video chats. In these wondrous moments, the miles between us seem to disappear and I feel the warmth and love of my grandchildren. Because this means so much to me, I began to wonder how other long-distance grandkids create special moments with their grandparents – beyond the long miles.
I decided to check it out with some family and friends. My small survey was totally unscientific, but definitely enlightening! Each response was different. And it quickly became apparent, that no matter what endearing thing their grandchild said or did, the grandparent’s response was similar to mine. They especially remembered those moments very clearly, and recognized just how precious they were.
I’m delighted to bring you a sampling of how some of these long-distance grandkids touched their grandparents’ hearts. My thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts with me!
How are YOU doing?
“How was your day, Tachee? ” a long-distance grandchild asks his grandmother. Another time, he asks if she slept well.
These both sound like simple greetings. But they’re really so much more! It seems to me the person who usually asks how thing are going in life, is the grandparent. When a grandchild asks these questions, that is indeed special!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
During a video chat, a grandchild tells her grandmother that when she misses her, she looks at a photo of the two of them together.
This is definitely a twofer! When apart, her granddaughter is not just remembering her grandmother, but their close relationship as well. I’m so bowled over with the sentiment behind this granddaughter’s photo choice.
A Memorable Show and Tell
By video tour, a grandchild takes her grandparents to a very important closet. There on a specially designated shelf, her Lego constructions are displayed. She proudly exclaims that she “did them all herself!”
Remember the grandparent house tour of an earlier post? Well, this grand turned it around. She had a plan! I love how she builds suspense and in the end shares her treasures. Those Lego creations are such a source of pride for her. Isn’t it wonderful that she wants to share them with the special people in her life?
Paying Attention to the Signs
Another grandparent watches her grandkids’ eyes carefully, and listens for their questions when they video chat together.
Sometimes, the way to know if our grandkids are engaged may not be so obvious. We might need to look a little deeper. You know the saying “eyes are the windows to the soul”? Well, guess what? Studies in Scientific American, confirm that “eyes are an essential … source of information that can help us create better bonds with those around us.” Pretty cool, huh? And when our grands ask questions, if we pay attention both to what they’re asking and how they’re asking it, we can open up new opportunities to connect with them!
Seeking Alone Time
And finally, what is my current favorite special moment? Well, it was a time recently when my 3-year-old grandson asked his mom to please leave the room so he and I could talk alone. It was a very big request for someone so little! To ask for one-to- one time with Bubbe away from his sister and parents, felt like a real honor, too. I hope it also reflects of a sense of trust and a feeling of safety he has with me.I smile ear to ear when I remember that moment! Boy, did he have things to say! The minute his mom left the room, he started excitedly telling me about all the things he liked to do. A 3-year-old! It was the best. Since then, he continues to ask for alone time, and to be fair, his sister gets some now, too!