Bonding With Your Grandchildren

For some grandparents, bonding with their grandchildren is easy.  They live close by and can see them after school, at their own children’s homes, or on weekends.  That isn’t true, however, for many, if not most, grandparents who are lucky to see their grandchildren on holidays.  So how do long distance grandparents develop the kind of bond with their grandchildren that’s important for everyone involved?

Even though some grandparents might move closer, this isn’t a feasible alternative for most and many have more than one child living in different parts of the country.  It may seem overly obvious but maintaining frequent contact with the grandchildren is an important contribution toward bonding with them.  Children do not have the same grasp of time as adults.  A few warm moments, memorable experiences together, even from a distance, can linger with a child for a lifetime.  You might consider taking your grandchild on a trip.  It doesn’t have to be anything special but it places you and the child together without other distractions and allows the two of you to experience something unique just to you and your grandchild.

The bonding process between grandparents and grandchildren is not much different than the bonding that took place between you and your own children.  And whether you’re in your grandchildren’s home or away on a short vacation together, read with them.  Start them young and let them pick some of their own favorite topics.  This will be a rewarding experience for you both and will help build a lifetime of memories for your grandchild long after you’re gone.