How to Connect With Grandchildren Long Distance

October 20, 2026|Gayle Veitenheimer||Relationships

Long-distance grandparenting. Not my preference, but that was our situation before we moved to Austin this summer. Today, we’ll explore ways to connect electronically, by snail mail, and with your unique style. Tailor these suggestions for the age and preferences of your grandchild, and as always, check with Mom and Dad first.

First up, electronic connections:

Videos: Make some of yourself doing what you do. Walking the dog. Gardening. Going to lunch with friends. You have a life. Share it. Invite them to record their special events and share with you.
Phone calls/FaceTime: Consult Mom or Dad for the best time to call. Call each grandchild separately. Ask open-ended questions. Take notes. Ask how you can pray for them and follow up.
Texts: Send jokes, photos, funny memes, Bible verses, and inspirational quotes.
Voicemail: Especially for special occasions like birthdays, send a voicemail they can save.
Digital frames: For both of you! Send pictures back and forth.
Create your signature signoff to end your video, phone, or FaceTime conversations.

Next, snail mail:

Care packages: For college students during finals, military personnel on deployment, or anytime for any age. You are limited only by your imagination and shipping costs.
When traveling, send post cards and bring stamps.
Send a jigsaw puzzle of your message. I have a link in the resources for kits.
Use a series of postcards to communicate a message, for example, what you will do for their birthday. One letter /card: F I S H I N G.
Gift pre-packaged, pre-addressed, pre-stamped postcards and notes to write to you. Add some fun pens, pencils, or markers. Try watercolor postcards for those who can’t write yet.
Include gum, stickers, magnets or Hershey Kisses/Hugs. Cash works too.
When mailing to multiple grandchildren (in the same home): Send everything in one large envelope so it arrives at the same time.

Tips from Wayne Rice and his book, Long-Distance Grandparenting:

Use print not cursive.
Keep it short and simple.
Write about things you enjoy or appreciate about your grandchildren.
Share your own interests and experiences including your faith and some God-stories.
Use humor.
Use a highlighter for content you don’t want them to miss.
Include pictures, photos, and coloring pages.
Create your own personalized signature.
Every time you send a card/letter, use the same sticker, dot of perfume/cologne, and signature.

Proverbs 25:11 ESV says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Keep those words flowing across the miles.

Let’s pray: Father God, show us what methods will best connect with our grandchildren. Give us courage where technology is scary and give us humor when mishaps occur. Thank You that we can communicate even miles away. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Create your signature signoff, both for your phone conversations and for your written correspondence. I have some letter templates in the resources below. How will you connect this week?

Resources:

Scripture That Helps Grandparents

Proverbs 25:11 ESV

The Puzzle Letter Kit

Love Notes from Sally Lloyd-Jones

Long-Distance Grandparenting by Wayne Rice

Don’t forget to check out The Kingswell Kid Detective series. Book 1, The Mystery of the Missing Falls, is available for readers ages 8-12. Kid-sized mysteries. God-sized truths.