This article is reprinted by permission from NextAvenue.org. As a new grandparent, I love to learn about fun and meaningful ways to connect with our grandson, Quinn. So, I was delighted when I recently had the opportunity to attend a Life Planning Network webinar led by Kerry Byrne, Ph.D., founder of The Long Distance Grandparent.
Byrne’s site is filled with clever and simple ways grandparents can strengthen the bonds with their grandchildren. And even though she caters to long-distance grandparents, I find her tips equally helpful for local grandparents like myself. Following the webinar, I reached out to Byrne to learn more about her favorite grandparenting strategies. Highlights of our Zoom
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conversation below: Next Avenue: It can be challenging to connect with grandchildren by phone or video. What are ways to liven up the conversation? Kerry Byrne: We know that play builds trust, so find ways to be silly and playful with your grandchildren. Use props like silly glasses or stuffed animals to liven up the conversation. Or, keep Post-it Notes nearby with age-appropriate jokes or conversation starters to help spice up the call. The key is to find what feels right for you. Also, try to make note of the little details of their lives, such as their friends’ names. It’s more powerful to ask about Heather or Aidan instead of saying, “Did you have fun with your friends today?” Related: The surprising benefits of playing with your grandkids Snail mail, video, and in-person are the three main ways to connect with your grandchildren. Can you elaborate on how to combine these for the most significant impact? We all feel a bit Zoom fatigued these days, especially school-age children. So don’t forget to connect via snail mail – I believe it’s the powerhouse of the grandparent relationship. Occasionally, send a card with a photo of the two of you or a simple craft project that you can do together d …
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Byrne’s site is filled with clever and simple ways grandparents can strengthen the bonds with their grandchildren. And even though she caters to long-distance grandparents, I find her tips equally helpful for local grandparents like myself. Following the webinar, I reached out to Byrne to learn more about her favorite grandparenting strategies. Highlights of our Zoom
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+1.57%
conversation below: Next Avenue: It can be challenging to connect with grandchildren by phone or video. What are ways to liven up the conversation? Kerry Byrne: We know that play builds trust, so find ways to be silly and playful with your grandchildren. Use props like silly glasses or stuffed animals to liven up the conversation. Or, keep Post-it Notes nearby with age-appropriate jokes or conversation starters to help spice up the call. The key is to find what feels right for you. Also, try to make note of the little details of their lives, such as their friends’ names. It’s more powerful to ask about Heather or Aidan instead of saying, “Did you have fun with your friends today?” Related: The surprising benefits of playing with your grandkids Snail mail, video, and in-person are the three main ways to connect with your grandchildren. Can you elaborate on how to combine these for the most significant impact? We all feel a bit Zoom fatigued these days, especially school-age children. So don’t forget to connect via snail mail – I believe it’s the powerhouse of the grandparent relationship. Occasionally, send a card with a photo of the two of you or a simple craft project that you can do together d …nnDiscussion:nn” ai_name=”RocketNews AI: ” start_sentence=”Can I tell you more about this article?” text_input_placeholder=”Type ‘Yes'”]