Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, many seniors are self-isolating to ensure they do not come in contact with the coronavirus. Due to this, senior citizens are not getting the social interaction they need. Many grandparents have found it challenging to maintain a relationship with their grandkids during these unprecedented times. If this applies to you, here are five ways to keep in contact with your grandkids while self-isolating.
- Facetime
If you and your grandkids have an Apple product, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, you can stay in contact via FaceTime. FaceTime is video calling that allows you to see your grandkid’s smiley faces whenever connected to Wi-Fi. There are group FaceTime calls, where you can add up to 32 people on a video call. So, if you have lots of grandchildren, FaceTime makes it easier to see everyone all at once.
During your FaceTime call with your grandkids, you can talk about many things! For example, you can play a game of 20 questions or ask them to share what they are working on at school. You can even help them with their homework and help them study. FaceTime allows you to stay connected with your grandkids at the tip of your finger.
- Zoom
Zoom is an online video platform that became exceedingly popular at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people use Zoom for online work meetings, whereas others can use it to keep in contact with their grandkids.
You can use Zoom by downloading it onto your smartphone or computer. Zoom has a video and audio call feature. So, if your device does not have a camera, you can still hear your grandkid’s voices and conversate with them.
Zoom has many excellent features that can make your time together even more enjoyable. For example, you can take a trip down memory lane together by sharing digital photo albums. There are also many different virtual backgrounds that can make your experience entertaining! Here’s a fun idea: pull a picture off the internet and play a game of I Spy. Doing this will challenge you and your grandkid’s brains while sharing a few laughs.
Facebook is a social networking website that allows people all across the world to connect with one another. If you have teenagers or older grandkids, Facebook is a great way to stay in contact while isolating if they are old enough for a Facebook account.
Facebook allows you to post pictures, videos, status updates, and message your friends privately. Facebook also has “groups” where your family can all join and post photos, life updates, articles, and inspirational content to one another while isolating.
- Penmanship
Writing a letter might seem “old school” to some, but it is a great, efficient way to keep in contact with your grandkids. Kids love getting mail! Whether you want to purchase a card to send or take a pen to paper and write about your day, your grandkids will enjoy seeing your handwriting and reading a note from you.
Once they mail you back, you will get the biggest smile on your face when seeing their handwriting or drawings. Writing letters to one another not only helps you stay connected but can also be great memorabilia to hold on to.
- Online games
A fun way to keep in contact with your grandkids is through online games. Various websites and apps allow you to connect and play with others when you have an internet connection. For example, Draw Something is an app, which is similar to the game Pictionary. Draw Something is a fun and interactive game for those who are old enough to read simple words.
Another online game you could consider is the classic game of Uno. Uno is an easy, fun card game families all around the world play together. You and your grandkids can download the app on your phone or tablet and connect with one another and see who the Uno champion is!
Summary
Staying connected with your family and grandkids is crucial during these unprecedented times. When you consider these five ways to keep in contact with your grandkids while self-isolating in retirement, you all will still be able to connect with one another while sharing laughs and smiles.
