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Long distance grandparenting

It’s never been easier to travel the world and live in far-flung countries. And while this ability brings with it plenty of advantages, it can be difficult for families who suddenly find themselves living thousands of miles apart.


How do you keep in touch with your family who are overseas?


https://www.silversurfers.com/lifestyle/family-lifestyle/long-distance-grandparenting/


Created By on 23/06/2015

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cathomson
17th Oct 2015 10:43:05
-1
Thanks for voting!
My son and family have lived in Canada for the past 8 years. It is very hard even with visiting at least once every year. I use Skype, FaceTime, phone calls most weeks just to keep up with what they are all doing. The seven hour time difference is an issue too. My three grandsons 14, 10, and 7 are so loved but you do miss out. It is also very hard to leave them after a few weeks seeing them every day. I can't be selfish as they have a really good life in Canada much better than if they had remained in the UK. I also applaud my daughter in law and son who are doing a great job raising the boys with no family support network.

I am lucky however as I have a very loving, caring daughter here too and may yet have more grandchildren who I can see oftener.
Response from Robs sister made on 5th Aug 2016 21:29:29
Hi, I am new to this website, you are the first person I have chatted to. My Daughter also lives in Canada, I was there in March to be with her for the birth of my grandson, I had hoped that she would have him early so that I could spend a bit of time with them, however he was born on 17th March so I only got to stay with them for 10 days, it was heartbreaking to have to come home but I do get updated with photos on Facebook and am able to chat to her, its not the same as being there to give a cuddle, maybe next year I will be able to afford another visit, I do have a son in England who has given me a grandson and granddaughter, I only get to see them once every 6/7 weeks, I hope you are soon blessed with more children to lavish some love on.
daisym
2nd Nov 2016 20:23:48 (Last activity: 18th Apr 2021 19:08:39)
0
Thanks for voting!
My Daughter Partner and 1st Granddaughter moved to Australia when g.daughter was 3 they have been there now 7 years there has been another Granddaughter and a Grandson born in that time. I am not in a position to travel to see them or them to visit UK...breaks my heart that I have missed out on seeing my Grandchildren growing up...more than I ever let on to the outside world. We Skype now and again..not as much as I would like but work commitments time differences make it difficult.
A visit is top of my 'to do list' if I ever win the lottery.
Response from Amaus made on 18th Apr 2021 19:08:39
Where is your family, Daisy? Mine is on the East coast near to Bundaberg. I know what you mean.
Amaus
18th Apr 2021 19:06:42
0
Thanks for voting!
It is difficult not being an active part of each others’ lives. My family live in Aus and I am here in England. There is not usually a problem as I try to visit every 2= years. However there is an insecurity in knowing that during this pandemic we could not visit each other under any circumstances.. Facetime is always a help but not knowing when we will be able to meet is sad.I look forward to being with my son, daughter in law and grandson while I am still young and able enough to go. We have to be happy enough that we remain healthy.
bharatverma
1st Jul 2015 14:03:30 (Last activity: 7th Oct 2015 16:20:40)
0
Thanks for voting!
By the way, my family is not too much far away from me. I am living with them and love them very much. I would never like to living thousands of miles apart... 😥 But if you are asking then i would like to keep in touch with them by calling. 🙂
Response from deemar made on 7th Oct 2015 16:20:40
I have one son who lives in New Zealand. He has been over there for 17years or so. He has two children aged 11 and 15. Dannielle was 2 1/2 when I first met her. Back then we didn't have Skype and phone calls weren't cheap. I missed out on so many of her milestones. It wasn't much easier when Jonny came along. Now, though, it is so easy to see and talk to them. It makes such a difference. I have been four times on my own and twice with OH. We are hoping to go back again this December for several months.
Spiderghost
9th Sep 2015 12:02:54
0
Thanks for voting!
Mostly Skype or Whatsapp for me as they are free with my wifi package, my son leaves laptop on sometimes I can just watch them play but it is difficult with the time diference 🙂

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