Once upon a time, connecting with your grandkids meant baking cookies together or reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the 300th time (complete with dramatic caterpillar voice, of course).
Grandparenting Today:
How to Connect with Grandkids in a Digital World
Today? You’re lucky if you get a two-second reply to your text before it disappears into the abyss of Fortnite, TikTok, or whatever the latest app is that you still call “The TikToks.”
But don’t worry. You’re not losing touch – the world is just spinning a little faster. Here are simple, fun ways to connect with your grandkids in this digital age without needing a computer science degree.
Embrace Their World (Even if You Don’t Understand It)
Let’s be honest. Watching someone play Minecraft is only slightly more exciting than watching paint dry. But asking questions like, “What are you building today?” or “How does this game work?” shows genuine interest.
You don’t need to love their hobbies – you just need to love them loving it.
“In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley
Play Online Games Together
If your grandkids are into games, try simple ones you can play together, like Words with Friends or online versions of board games.
My friend Linda plays online Scrabble with her grandson in Oregon every evening before bed. She still loses, but now she knows words like “qophs” and “za.” (Don’t worry, I had to Google them too.)
Send Random Texts or Memes
It doesn’t have to be profound. Send them a funny cat video, a silly meme, or a “thinking of you” GIF. It might just earn you a quick reply like, “lol,” but trust me – it matters.
And if you don’t know how to send a GIF, ask your grandkid. They’ll feel like a tech genius for teaching you.
Video Chat with a Purpose
Instead of “just checking in,” set up themed video calls. Ideas:
Storytime for little ones
Teach them a family recipe step by step
Show them your garden or the funny squirrel who keeps stealing your avocado pits
When there’s a purpose, calls feel natural and less awkward.
Share Old Photos and Stories Digitally
Kids love hearing about when you were their age. Text or email them an old photo with a quick story. Like the time you cut your bangs with kitchen scissors before your eighth-grade class photo. It’s little moments like these that make you human and relatable, even across screens.
Final Thought
Grandparenting today isn’t better or worse – it’s just different. Sure, it may involve fewer flour-dusted aprons and more FaceTime calls with questionable WiFi quality, but your love is what anchors them, no matter the medium.
So go ahead, send that dancing llama GIF today. They may roll their eyes, but inside, they’re smiling because they know Grandma or Grandpa is thinking of them.
– Susanne A.
💛 We’d Love to Hear Your Stories!
Do you have a special way you connect with your grandkids? Share your favorite moments or funny stories in the comments below – your ideas might inspire another grandparent today.
