The Distant Grandma

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Backstory – The Distant Grandma

Please send your thoughts about how grandmothers today stay in touch with their grand-kids, when they live far away.  It’s a challenge faced by so many of us.  Today’s story includes some good ideas about ways to do it.  Please let us know what you do, or share a good idea you have heard.  We’d like to feature more stories about creative ways that grand moms – and grandfathers too – are reaching out.

The essence of grand-parenthood has changed so completely.  Parents used to be able to count on grandma to be home, have plenty of time and willingly accept the role of baby sitter, mentor and parent substitute.  Today’s grandmothers are on the go and may still be employed.  When it comes to the gizmos and gadgets and digital equipment with which their grand-kids seem to be obsessed, they are often left in the dust.

We need wisdom, creativity and a slice of entrepreneurship to create the best position for grandparents in this day and age.  Please go to the website – www.considerthisradioshow.com and write your comments after this week’s posting.  And thanks for taking the effort.

Consider This Show – The Distant Grandma

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The role of grandmother can be challenging when distance separates generations.

In my childhood, most grandmothers lived within walking distance or were at least a short ride away. Not so today.  So how does a grandmother get to know and enjoy her children’s children?

One Nanny has grand-kids who live about an hour’s drive away. She prepares dinner each Tuesday and totes it to their home, where she and the family share the meal.  Then mom and dad have a night out while she spends time getting updated on the grand-kids’ lives.

Other grandmothers have turned to Skype.  They may have scheduled weekly electronic visits or the grand-kids may dial up whenever they have something special to share.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to watch babies blossom, week by week.

One grandma who is also the family genealogist takes a batch of old photos with her when she visits, and tells stories of earlier generations, how they got to America and how they prospered or struggled. She is also the unofficial custodian of the family heritage, sharing songs, costumes and history of the land of their ancestors.

If you are a grandmother, what do you do to stay in touch with busy grand-kids?  Let us know, and we’ll share your ideas in a future show. Send your thoughts to Annette@considerthisradioshow.com, or respond on our website.

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