Faithfully Grandparenting – Long-distance

If you’re a grandparent who loves Jesus and loves your grandchildren, you’ve probably felt this tension: I know I’m called to pour into the next generation… but how do I actually do that when they live so far away?

Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of faith flowing from one generation to the next. Psalm 145 speaks of one generation declaring God’s works to another. That’s not just poetic language. It’s a calling. And when we read Matthew’s words about making disciples, that calling certainly reaches into our own families. Yes, it includes our grandchildren.

But here’s the honest reality. Discipleship doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It grows best inside a relationship. And relationships grow through connection.

That’s where many grandparents feel stuck.

Today, more than ever, families are spread out. Many grandparents are loving and praying from a distance, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of miles away. For these grandparents, visits may happen only once or twice a year. For some, even less. If this is you, you might find yourself wondering, Can I really have a meaningful spiritual influence when I’m not physically present very often? Or, How can I build a real relationship when we rarely see each other face to face?

Those are good and hopeful questions.

Because while distance changes the methods, it doesn’t cancel the mission. Connection is still possible. Relationships can still grow. Spiritual influence can still be real and lasting.

Is this you? Are you a long-distance grandparent? If so, it’s not too late. You can begin making connections and building relationships with your grandchildren today, no matter the miles that lay between.

Practical Ideas for Connecting with Long-distance Grandchildren

SNAIL MAIL

• Mail a handwritten note or card.
• Write a story together. Start a story and mail it to your grandchild so they can add to the story. Continue in this manner, ping-pong style, until the story is complete.
• Send gift cards for carry-out meals, treats, or the ice cream truck.
• Mail a care package of indoor or outdoor things to do.
• Create an add-on drawing together, like the add-on story.
• Mail your written or Pray in Color prayers. (See the link to discover Pray in Color prayers.)
• Send a game for the entire family to play.

TECHNOLOGY

• Send texts – words, photos, emojis, GIFs.
• Use FaceTime, Zoom, or a similar platform on a regular basis.
• Help with schoolwork.
• Read books together. Gather your grandchildren around the screen and read one of your favorite books to them. Another option is to provide your grandchildren with a copy of the book and let them follow along as your read.
• Share your hobbies and interests.
• Teach your grandchild “How To.”
• Create and share playlists.
• Host a talent night.

PRAYER

• Ask for prayer requests by text.
• Pray together via FaceTime.
• Pray in Color for your grandchild.
• Pray the alphabet. Begin with A and work your way to Z, identifying specific things to pray for your grandchild. Share the topic or your prayer via text or mail.
• Write out your prayers and share them with your grandchild.
• Keep a prayer journal.
• Use available technology to pray regularly with other grandparents.

FUN & GAMES

• Initiate a Flat Stanley adventure.
• Hold a joke-telling contest.
• Research a topic that interests both of you.
• Create a personalized crossword puzzle.
• Celebrate a silly holiday.
• Play Charades and other games over FaceTime or Zoom.
• Issue a step-count/exercise challenge.
• Hold an online book club.
• Watch the same movie at the same time. Share real-time photos as you watch or discuss the movie at a later time.

What are you waiting for? Choose an idea or two right now and begin on your journey to building connection and deepening relationship with your grandchildren – no matter the number of miles between you.

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