More people than ever are being affected by quarantines. We’re all at risk, but older populations put themselves in even more danger than most by breaking stay-at-home orders. But bonding time with those youngsters is incredibly important, and we all know that going back is impossible. So what's a dedicated grandparent to do? Until this mess is over, buffer the blow by being the best digital grandparent ever.
Technology has changed a lot over the decades. Not too long ago, or so it would seem, video chats were nothing more than science fiction — part of an incredible, space-age future too far out of sight to ever be real. We might not have moving sidewalks to get around or flying cars congesting the skies (yet), but we do have Jetsons-quality video chat. If you don’t already have a good platform, it’s time to get acquainted with one. Skype, Zoom and FaceTime are all great choices and all have free options.
But how do you connect with kiddos over video?
Try these fun and interactive activities:
What defines you as a person? Do you have any interests in common with your grandkids? Find a way to do something thoughtful in a way only you can. Let them know you’ve been thinking about them by sending a care package filled with handmade items. Get creative: send videos from a pet, put together a family cookbook or organize info from your family tree into a multigenerational scrapbook. Make it fun and personal.
Not craftsy? That’s okay! You could also do some online shopping and deliver a little pick-me-up to their address. Share music, poetry, art, and movies together to find things you can love together.
There are apps now that will let people watch movies together from a distance. One person hosts and has control over the pause and play functions and both parties have a chat window so they can share the experience. Watch2gether, Netflix Party, TwoSeven, and many others create a virtual viewing platform that helps people connect over their films.
There are thousands of online classes at places like Skillshare, Domestika and others. What if you pick out a class together and share the lessons with each other, talking about the progress you're making in your new skills and helping one another to grow? From dance moves to drawing to learning bird calls, there are bound tobe things that you can both love and share together. This idea has the added advantage of leveling the playing field. If you're both new to something, no one feels like they have to be the teacher. You can be peers.
Quarantines might force physical distance for a while, but with a little creativity, you can still stay connected. And although this isn't likely to last forever, the skills you pick up may help you maintain the grandchild/grandparent bond for many years to come.