The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is unbreakable. Though social distancing keeps us apart physically, it gives us an opportunity to find new ways to stay connected. While grandparents and their grandchildren may not be able to visit each other’s homes, there are creative ways to make new memories in the meantime.
Here are a few ideas to keep preschoolers connected to their grandparents from a distance:
1. Set Up Video Calls
Video calls are making it easier for everyone to communicate during the pandemic. You can schedule regular video calls with grandparents to talk about the week and catch up on all of the exciting at-home activities the kids have been up to. Try scheduling the call at the same time every week—having a consistent call will help establish a routine and allow your child to have dedicated quality time with their loved ones.
2. Have Virtual Story Time
To make your video calls even more fun, try scheduling a storytime. Grandparents can spend this time bonding with their grandchildren over new adventures. Each story is a chance to learn something and is also a great way to help young children stay focused on the conversation. This virtual bonding experience could even be an at-home lesson—try doing a S.T.E.A.M. experiment or even making a recipe together. Have fun with it!
3. Write Letters
An excellent way to practice communication skills is to write a letter. Encourage your child to make art and write messages; even children who aren’t able to write just yet can express themselves in other ways. Paper crafts, for example, are a great way to improve fine motor skills and encourage your child’s imagination while also creating a piece of art that loved ones will cherish.
4. Make a Phone Call
Possibly the simplest way to stay in touch is a good old-fashioned phone call. Another learning opportunity for our little ones, using the phone to dial a grandparent’s number can be a chance to begin introducing phone etiquette.
5. Create Care Packages
While we’re spending more time at home, we have more time for thoughtful activities, such as creating care packages for our grandparents. The current pandemic is a chance to help your child to feel involved in taking care of others. Spend time together talking about items that their grandparents may need while at home and allow your child to help you pick them out. You can even encourage them to add in some new artwork and photos that their grandparents will love to display.
6. Go on a Virtual Adventure Together
Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t explore together. Schedule a video call and make a “trip” to the zoo, an arboretum, or a museum together. Many organizations are offering free virtual tours of their exhibits to give at-home viewers the full experience. After the trip, you can talk about what caught your eye and what you’re excited about doing together after quarantine.
7. Create a Sidewalk Art Message
For families who live next door or close-by to grandparents, a fun way to bring some surprise and delight to quarantined grandparents is to create some hopeful messages and pictures through sidewalk chalk art. This is a great opportunity for children to get outside for some fresh air while leaving a colorful and encouraging message of hope for grandparents to look at from the inside or while sitting on the porch.
If you’re looking for at-home activities for your child or more childhood development resources, The Gardner School shares early childhood development tips and activities on our blog and our Pinterest profile. You can also follow our hashtag, #TGSatHome on Facebook and Instagram.