If you do not live near your grandchildren, you need to learn how to make the most of the time you have with them. Visit them as often as you can and arrange for them to visit you as often as you and their parents feel is appropriate. Put money aside to help make this happen. It is an investment in your whole family, in your grandchildren, and one your children will surely notice. Even though you may be separated, if you are intentional in your grandparenting, you will be surprised at the impact you can make on their lives.
It may be more appropriate for you, financially speaking, to go to your grandchildren rather than expect the family to come to you. That usually involves more people traveling and can be more expensive. If you have frequent flyer miles, use them to visit your grandchildren, or you can award some of your miles to your grandchildren to have them visit you.
When you visit them ...
When you visit them, make the time with your grandchildren intentional. Take them out of the house, away from the video games and TV. They may complain at first, but if you are genuine and initiate some steps into their interests, they will respond.
Try to schedule times just with them as well as your times with everyone together.
Pick them up after school, and take them out for ice cream or something fun.
Learn to use high-tech approaches
Life is significantly shaped by the use of computers. If you have lagged behind in learning to use the computer, it is time to abandon that tactic. Learn to use the computer! Learn how to send emails and pictures, how to use Instant Messaging, (IM), and how to look up anything you need to know on the web: phone numbers, maps, addresses, weather, travel information, recipes, on and on ... anything you can think of. That wasn't true when you were growing up, but it is now. Some of us find a bit of comfort and pride in letting people know how illiterate we are on the computer. Come out from behind that excuse and enter a little more into your grandchildren's world. You will take huge steps towards your understanding and acceptance of your grandchildren, and they will appreciate you even more.
Catch on to what blogs are and use them.
Learn how to send text messages on your cell phone. This can be a great way to get a message through when they can't answer the phone. (In school, at work, doing homework, etc.)
Set a clock to the time zone where your grandchildren live ... or several clocks if necessary. Purchase clocks for them to do the same for you.
Have a ready list of all your grandchildren's birthdays and make contact with them that day, (phone call, Instant Message, Email, blog message), in addition to traditional cards and gifts.
Use traditional high-touch for special times
Find out their daily schedule ... know what they are probably doing any time of the day and make your calls at appropriate times, according to what is going on in their lives.
Go to major events in their lives ... recognition for anything, graduations, promotions, etc.
