Long-distance doesn’t have to mean low-connection.

Gentle, practical ideas to help you build real memories with your grandkids, even when you can’t be there in person.

A warm welcome to you,

There’s a particular ache that comes with loving grandkids who live far away.

The photos on your phone are precious, but sometimes they also remind you of what you’re missing:

• First school concerts

• Sport games

• Random “drop in for a cuddle” moments

If that’s you, please know this: the distance is real, but it doesn’t disqualify you from being a meaningful, memorable part of your grandchildren’s story.

In this post we’ll explore making memories with grandchildren far away – not just staying “updated”, but truly connected, in ways that fit your personality, your tech comfort level and your faith.

Start by Naming the Grief - (God Can Handle It)

Before we rush to solutions, let’s be honest: long-distance grandparenting can hurt.

You’re allowed to grieve the everyday moments you miss. Naming that grief doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful; it means you’re human.

Bring that ache to God:

“Lord, You see this distance. Show me how to love them well from right here.”

From that place, you can build new ways of connecting, instead of getting stuck comparing your story with someone else’s.

Anchor Your Connection with Simple, Predictable Rhythms

Kids (and adults) feel safer when they have rhythms – small things they can count on.

1. Weekly Video “Date”

Instead of random calls, choose one regular time (as best you can with time zones):

• “Every Sunday afternoon we have a 20-minute video call.”

• “First Saturday of the month is Grandma Story Time.”

Keep it light but consistent. If you miss a week, don’t spiral; just pick it up again.

2. Shared Meal Across the Miles

Once a month, share a meal together on video:

• You both make something simple (toasties, pasta, pancakes)

• Eat “together” and talk about your weeks

It sounds small, but repeated over years, it becomes a memory of belonging.

3. Bedtime Blessing (If Time Zones Allow)

If the time difference works, offer a short bedtime call:

• Read a quick story or a short blessing

• Pray a simple prayer over them if that fits your family

If it doesn’t work live, you can send a little recorded audio message or video they can play at bedtime.

Make Video Calls Fun - (So Kids Actually Want to Join)

We’ve all experienced the awkward video call where you stare at the top of a child’s head while they wander off mid-sentence. Instead of pushing “talk properly”, create activities that make it fun.

4. Show-and-Tell

Pre-arrange a theme:

• “Next week, bring something blue to show me.”

• “Bring one drawing you’ve made recently.”

• “Bring a favourite toy and tell me how it works.”

This gives shy kids something concrete to talk about.

5. Read-Aloud Club

Choose a book series you can both access:

• You read a chapter aloud on video

• Or you each read separately, then talk about it

Grandparents who regularly read with grandchildren report strong emotional bonds and positive memories for both generations. Grandma's Briefs+1

6. Games Over Video

Try simple games:

• “I Spy” using each other’s rooms

• Quick drawing challenges (“Draw a happy cat in 30 seconds”)

• “Two truths and a fib” (ages permitting)

Keep it short and playful.

Build Long-Distance Traditions and Memory Markers

Just as with in-person grandkids, long-distance relationships thrive on traditions.

7. Birthday Ritual from Afar

• Post a small gift or card early (with postal delays in mind)

• Arrange a video call where you sing, pray or speak a blessing

• Keep one phrase consistent each year so it becomes “your thing”

8. “First Day” Photos

Ask parents (if appropriate) to send a quick photo of:

• First day of school

• First day of a new activity

Reply with a little voice note or message cheering them on.

9. Annual “Memory Box” Parcel

Once a year, send a small parcel:

• A short letter

• A printed photo of you

• One or two small, thoughtful items (stickers, bookmark, seeds to plant)

Encourage them to keep it in a shoebox or folder labelled “Grandma Memories”.

Creative Offline Ways to Stay Close

Screens are useful, but they’re not the whole story. Some of the most powerful long-distance connections are wonderfully old-fashioned.

10. Pen Pal Letters

Kids love receiving real mail. Ideas:

• Short letters with a question at the end

• Little doodles or crosswords you make yourself

• Fun facts about where you live

11. Story Postcards

Buy a stack of postcards – they don’t have to be touristy.

Each month, write a mini-story on one:

“When I was eight, my brother and I…”

Over time, they’ll have a bundle of stories that bring your childhood and family history to life.

12. Shared Journal or Scrapbook

Send a simple notebook to your grandchild:

• You fill the first few pages with photos and notes

• Ask them (or their parents) to add to it and post it back sometimes

You are literally writing your shared story together.

Bringing Faith into Long-Distance Grandparenting

If faith is part of your life, don’t underestimate how powerful it can be to weave it quietly into your long-distance routines.

13. Prayer Partner Tradition

Let them know:

“Every Wednesday I pray especially for you.”

You could:

• Ask for one thing they’d like prayer for each week

• Send a short encouraging verse or quote now and then

14. Shared Gratitude Practice

Choose a day once a month where you both share:

• Three things you’re thankful for

• One person you’re thankful for

This can be over video, text or letters.

15. Seasonal Devotional Moments

In the lead-up to Christmas or Easter, you might:

• Send a simple age-appropriate devotional or Bible story book

• Read the same story “together” on a call

• Talk about one key idea or question each time

Keep it light and respectful, especially if the parents have different views. Your tone matters as much as your content.

Tech Tips for Non-Techy Grandmas - (You Are Not Too Old to Learn)

You don’t have to be an IT whiz to use technology for long distance grandparenting ideas. A few tips:

• Choose one main platform (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Messenger) and get comfortable with it rather than trying everything.

• Ask for a simple “how to” sheet from your adult child or a tech-savvy friend.

• Practise with a friend before calling the grands so you feel more relaxed.

• Set boundaries – you don’t have to be available 24/7 to be loving and present.

When Contact Is Limited or Complicated

Some grandmothers reading this would give anything just to have one phone call.

Perhaps:

• There’s estrangement or tension with your adult child

• Court orders or safety issues limit contact

• Your grandkids are in another country with tricky time zones and schedules

If this is your story, your heartbreak is seen.

Here are a few gentle thoughts:

• Do what you can, where you are – even if it’s just one message every few months.

• Keep a private “Grandma Journal” where you write prayers, memories and hopes for them. Even if they never read it, it shapes your heart.

• Stay grounded in truth – your worth as a grandmother is not measured by access alone.

Bring the pain and the longing to God, again and again. Ask Him to guard their hearts, bring safe people into their lives, and, where possible, open doors in His time.

Your Love Can Travel Further Than Your Body

Long-distance grandparenting isn’t second-best; it’s simply different.

No, you can’t pop over for dinner on a Tuesday night – but you can:

• Build strong, steady traditions

• Weave your faith and values into letters, calls and parcels

• Show your grandkids that love does not depend on postcode

You are still a vital part of their story, even from miles away.

Start with one idea from this list. Put it into practice this week. Then add another in a month or two. Over time, you’ll look back and realise you’ve built something beautiful, one small, faithful step at a time.

Until we chat again,

Blessing & hugs to you my dear friend,

Dianne xx