BE RESOLVED TO BE INVOLVED

Grandparenting long distance keeps getting better. Although it will never be as wonderful as living down the street, in the same down, or even the same state, it’s improving. Technology has advanced to the point that we can connect visually as well as audibly via Face Time, Skype, Facebook, etc. It’s the next best thing to being there. Our granddaughter and family, who lives 1,626 miles away in Montana, Face Times with us on holidays. No, it’s not like sitting down at our Thanksgiving table, but it’s much better than the good old days.

The main culprits in keeping LD families disconnected are our busy lifestyles and lack of planning. Nothing will happen unless it’s planned. The reason is you’re too busy, and they’re too busy.  So get a calendar and keep it for Long Distant Grandparenting. Please start this when the kids are toddlers, for if you don’t there will be no connectiveness when they are teens. Teens are great at sending texts, but you’ve got to show them you are interested in their lives, by texting them.

Places like Amazon and other major retailers are helping by allowing grandparents to order and have things shipped directly to the long distance family. Take advantage of this for it will save you a bundle in shipping and time.

So get that calendar for October. How will you connect during this month—you’ve still got a week? Plan it now.

                                                                

Books are good. You can check them out of your local library and read to your long distance toddlers on Face Time or Skype. Two of my favorite books are Stellaluna by Janell Cannon (Scholoastic) and Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Patrick Benson (Candlewick Press) and there are so many more. Then for more ideas, organized in a month-by-month format, order a copy of my book, Long Distance Grandma, Staying Connected Across the Miles (Howard Publishing, a division of Simon and Schuster).

Don’t forget about texting the older grandchildren about what going on in their lives. Many will soon be facing their first semester finals. If you never talk to them, you will never know what is going on in their lives.Be resolved to be involved.

Above all pray for your grandchildren Pray that they be surrounded by Christians, and pray for God to raise up a godly mate for them, protect them from all manner of evil, and grant them safety. Ask God to bless them. Well, that's it for now. I'll be back with more. Happy Grandparenting!