Today’s technology gives us all kinds of opportunities to bond with our grandchildren.

Do you ever Skype, Facetime or Zoom with your grands? If so, you know it can be a fantastic way to stay in touch and catch up with them, especially if you don’t live close to them. On a phone or tablet, they can take your conversation wherever they want to go and show you details about where they are. And young grandkids might also set the phone down somewhere and walk away, leaving you stranded. That isn’t the best part, but getting to interact with them is definitely worth it.

To make the most of that time, we need to be creative.

Here are some ideas:

  • Consider getting a copy of a book they have and reading it together across the miles. Picture books with young kids are great for this. Or maybe you can find a book at the library that relates to something your grandchild is interested in or is experiencing.
  • Play games together, whether it’s Simon Says, Candyland, or if you’re both up for it, something like chess.
  • Have them get you on the phone when they’re opening a gift you sent.
  • With young grandkids, sing songs together that have actions with them, hold up objects (or pictures of objects) to help them learn, play “peek-a-boo,” have them teach you a new song they learned, or ask them, “What does a cow (horse, pig, lion, sheep, etc.) say?”
  • Is there a skill or school subject you could help teach your grandchild? Surely there is. Set up a regular time and make that investment in him or her. Those will also become times you can connect and get updates on his or her world.
  • Teach them a saying, poem or Scripture verse that’s important to you. Repeat it with them several times.
  • Remember the capabilities of video calls. Ask them to show you what they’re talking about when possible, like their favorite toy. (And you be ready to do the same.)
  • Show them pictures—photos of family, friends or things you found interesting.
  • Ask their mom or dad to let you listen and watch as they’re practicing their music or sports skills.

If they don’t have a device that allows them to easily video chat, maybe you could get one for them—with the parents’ approval, of course.

Talking to them is great, but being able to see each other is so much better.

What have we missed? What other ideas have you used to connect with your grandchildren on Zoom or Facetime? Please join the conversation on our Facebook page.