- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- grandparents today articles
- grandparents today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Long-Distance Grandparents
Creative and Fun Ways to Stay in Touch By Lisa Marie Meltzer
Keeping in Touch
"Telephone calls are great fun any time of year," says Silcott. "If you can arrange to make some of the calls shortly after special events your grandchildren have participated in, you will be able to share the excitement." 
Silcott offers these additional tips for staying in touch:
- Videotape your grandchildren's favorite stories. If possible, have someone else record you and your spouse, especially on birthdays or other special occasions.
- Bake and send their favorite cookies. Include the recipe, and videotape yourself making the cookies for a personal cooking lesson.
- For a far-away grandchild's birthday, buy party hats, favors, balloons, etc. and send them to the grandchild to use at their party.
- Create a video family history using old slides and pictures. Narrate it or just set it to music. Or create a scrapbook with copies made from the original pictures.
- Watch a television show or rented movie "together." For instance, at Christmas, plan to watch It's a Wonderful Life and share your thoughts via a phone call, letter or e-mail.
- Have a prearranged time on New Year's Eve for you and your children and grandchildren to each light a candle and make a special wish for the coming year.
- Make up a quiz about you and your spouse. It can be a fun way for your grandchildren to get to know you better.
- Create mementos from a hobby you enjoy. A birdhouse, jewelry box, quilt or holiday ornament made specifically for the child will be treasured for years to come.