3 Things Single Grandparents Can Do to Keep Up with Their Grandchildren

by Patricia, a Canadian senior and grandmother to 3 very active grandchildren

1. Get Closer
Grandchildren grow up so quickly, and you don’t want to miss the day-to-day events that shape them into the people they are. So the first thing you need to do is to be in close proximity to them. This may involve travelling to where they are or even pulling up your roots and relocating as your children’s careers take them away from their origins. The great thing about being single is that this decision is one you can make without consulting a partner. When my first grandson was born I lived on the West Coast and my daughter and her husband lived in Ontario.

After months of whining about how my grandson was growing up and didn’t even know his Grandma, and after the arrival of grandson #2, I made the decision to move to where they lived. It was a huge change, and I missed my friends constantly, but the compensations made it all worthwhile.

I now also have a sweet little granddaughter who is already almost 4! I am involved in their lives and they shower me with love and affection. And the bonus is that I get to see my only daughter on a regular basis. Looking back, I know I made the right decision and have no regrets.

2. Use Technology.

In order to really be up on things in your grandchildren’s lives you need to get at least somewhat up to date on the latest technology. It’s so very helpful to have a computer and a digital camera for starters.

A cell phone is very helpful for locating and keeping contact with your grandchildren. You can text them a message at any time and, voila, you get a few moments in their busy day to chat with them. Did you know there is even technology that allows you to use your voice to text? So even if those tiny little cell phone buttons are difficult for you it is a non-issue.

The odds of catching these active people are better if you communicate electronically. Your computer is not only an efficient place to store your photos, but is also the best place to view your children’s photos, to which they will graciously allow you access. Both my son and her husband have super cameras, so I can always view fabulous pictures of my wonderful family!

3. Keep Active

Our grandchildren have young, energetic bodies whereas our older bodies require a fair bit of maintenance in order to at least make a believable attempt to keep up with the kids.

My grandkids always want me to jump on the trampoline with them - somewhat unusual for a 67 year old - and I love doing it; it’s good exercise and gets the old heart rate up. I also play Star Wars with them and bravely tear around the yard brandishing my light sabre! But sometimes it can leave my muscles sore and my joints aching.

I recommend seeing a massage therapist as often as your budget will allow, and a licensed chiropractor when you feel you’ve injured something. But mostly I recommend that you have as much fun with your grandchildren as you can handle - before you know it, they’ll be all grown up!