It’s hard for families being apart in lockdown. But there are lots of ways that you can stay connected with your grandchildren. It doesn’t make up for all the missed hugs however it certainly makes being apart that bit less painful. I was surprised to learn that loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, so its vital to stay connected with each other. It can actually increase your chances of an early death by 10%, so in the interest of staying fit and healthy do make the effort to keep in contact with family.

Make Time To Talk

My boys love talking to their grandparents through Facebook messenger. It lets them play simple games together, so even when they don’t know what to say they are still enjoying each other’s company. It can be hard to keep a conversation going when each day is so repetitive. But games can be a little bit of light relief.

Find Online Activities To Do Together

Technology makes it so much easier to stay connected with your grandchildren, aside from video-chatting there are lots more activities you can organize remotely. How about a game of bingo or a trivia quiz to look forward too? Depending on the age of your grandchildren other ideas you could try is a cookery lesson or a virtual book club. With a little creativity there is so many different activities you can try! We have even tried an online escape room.

Focus On The Future

Your grandchildren will need to be reminded that being apart is only temporary, so its important to stay safe and healthy until life goes back to normal. You could install a stair lift which the grandchildren will love to see (and have a go on) when life returns to normal! That or you could purchase a mobility scooter children are equally keen to hitch a ride on those too.

Use Netflix Party

Another way you can stay connected with your grandchildren is through Netflix. You can sync a film across different Netflix accounts so you can all watch it together. You can use the chat function so you can react to the film as it plays. It’s important you all socialize for good family health in lockdown.

Read Them A Bedtime Story

One night a week grandparents could take charge of reading the bedtime story. If they do not have any children’s books at home, they can always make one up. Children love a made up story especially if they get to feature in it! Then throw in a few funny voices and you have it covered!

Start Writing Letters

Your grandchildren will love having their own post, so why not write them a letter. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy maybe throw in a few jokes or a funny family story they love. Remind them how much they mean to you and how you miss them so much. You could also send surprise packages to cheer up your grandchildren. My boys were over the moon with the chocolate treats their nanny sent them.