Tips for keeping in touch with your adult grandchildren

You may be lucky enough to enjoy your adult grandchildren and they, of course, have the opportunity to be by your side and enjoy the unconditional love that you provide every day of your life. They can enjoy your wisdom and all your daily affection, and that for young adults is a fortune because not everyone is that lucky.

But there may be circumstances in life that cause you to not be able to be in contact with your adult grandchildren as much as you would like. There are a few things you need to know in order to change this and keep your link intact.

DISTANCE AND OTHER FACTORS

The life paths taken by grandchildren can have profound effects on the grandparent-grandchild relationship.  Adult grandchildren can be spouses, parents, students, workers, or world travelers, among other possibilities, and each of these will have a different impact on the grandparent-grandchild relationship.

Distance would be an important factor in the way in which grandparents relate to their adult grandchildren, although it may affect, it does not have to be a triggering factor for emotional distance and less with new technologies.

Since grandparents have come to occupy an almost mythical place in the grandchildren’s value system, proximity is not necessary for prominence. It is the idea of ​​the grandfather that is so powerful, not the physical presence. Grandparents living far from their grandchildren may be at a disadvantage, but it is not as great a disadvantage as it is for the grandparents of their young grandchildren.

The technology can effectively overcome the distance. Virtual communication may not be as satisfying as a warm hug in person, but technological innovations have made it possible to stay close to those who are far away … a must for emotional bonding.

TIPS FOR KEEPING IN TOUCH

If you want to keep up with your grandchildren, you will have to learn about technology. Video calls are a good way to maintain good contact, in a closer way than, for example, phone calls without video. Whatever works and is in your grandson’s favor is what you should use, and that means you have to be agile to adapt to technological change.

Another important thing is not to wait for your grandchild to call you all the time … It doesn’t matter who was the last to email or call. If your message was not answered, don’t give it too much importance. Most young adults sometimes ignore messages from their friends , when they are too busy or just not in the mood. Grandparents should expect to be inadvertently ignored, or overlooked, occasionally. Call or write even if it’s not your turn. This relationship isn’t about taking turns … it’s about taking care of it. In fact, it can be a bit like a marriage, where each party has to give a little more …

DON’T BE JUDICIOUS

During this time in your grandchild’s life , he or she may do some things that you don’t approve of, which puts you in a slightly inaccurate place . The best thing is that you step on the middle way. Never say you approve of something if you don’t, but don’t give your opinion unless asked.

Some grandparents make exceptions to this rule in serious circumstances, such as when a grandchild is heavily involved in substance abuse or other life-threatening behavior. Each grandparent must decide exactly where to draw the boundary line, but judgment will almost always result in a deterioration in your relationship with your adult grandchild.

Whether you are close or far from your adult grandchildren, with these strategies you can have a better contact and emotional bond with them. And that will benefit you both!