Being a long distance grandparent requires intentionality, creativity, and persistence. Writing the statement “I am a grandparent who…” is not just an exercise in reflection—it’s a powerful way to define your purpose as a grandparent and commit to the actions that will deepen your bond with your grandchildren. Below you will find a few key areas to consider focusing on with these statements and why they are important for long distance grandparents.
Research shows that meaningful relationships with grandparents positively impact children’s emotional well-being, self-esteem, and even academic performance. These benefits don’t happen by chance – they are cultivated through consistent, intentional efforts.
When you take time to reflect on who you are as a grandparent, you give yourself a roadmap for action. Statements like “I am a grandparent who nurtures meaningful connections” or “I am a grandparent who embraces technology to bridge the distance” serve as anchors for your efforts and help you prioritize what matters most.
There are a few main areas for you to consider when writing I am statements about your long distance grandparenting. I review each of them with some examples to get you started!
Building Connections Across Distance
Intentionality in long-distance grandparenting starts with a commitment to meaningful action. While we often have plenty of ideas, it’s easy for them to remain just that—ideas. Life gets busy, and without clear goals to enhance the moments you share, it can be challenging to fully embrace long distance grandparenting in a way that truly makes a difference. Simply recommitting to the basics of long distance grandparenting can set the stage for deeper connections. Things like:
– I am a grandparent who nurtures meaningful connections with my grandchildren, no matter the distance.
– I am a grandparent who embraces technology to bridge the miles between me and my family.
– I am a grandparent who builds traditions that can be shared across generations and miles.
For example, you might plan weekly video calls that include games, storytelling, or sharing family news. Or you might establish a tradition of sending letters or postcards to celebrate milestones and everyday moments. Research suggests that rituals and traditions create a sense of stability and belonging, even when family members are far apart.
Supporting My Grandchildren and Their Parents
Strong relationships between grandparents and parents create a foundation for deeper connections with grandchildren. Being intentional here means considering things like:
– I am a grandparent who honors and respects the role of my grandchildren’s parents.
– I am a grandparent who encourages open communication and respectful conversations in my family.
– I am a grandparent who creates a safe and loving space for my grandchildren to express themselves.
Supportive grandparents can strengthen family bonds and reduce the stress of long distance dynamics. Checking in with the parents from everything related to gift purchases, to how you can make it easier to stay connected ensures everyone feels heard and supported.
Creativity, Curiosity, and Play
Grandparents bring unique gifts to their grandchildren—their life experiences, passions, and playful spirit. Here’s how you can commit to keeping this spark alive:
– I am a grandparent who seeks out creative ways to stay involved in my grandchildren’s lives.
– I am a grandparent who learns about my grandchildren’s interests and uses them to spark connection.
– I am a grandparent who shows curiosity about the world and inspires my grandchildren to do the same.
Intentional creativity could mean creating a “video chat grab bag” filled with ideas for games and activities or sending personalized care packages based on your grandchildren’s interests. Research on child development highlights the importance of creativity and play in building strong emotional connections.
Emotional Presence and Resilience
Being apart from your grandchildren can be emotionally challenging, but choosing to focus on what you can do—rather than what you can’t—is a powerful mindset:
– I am a grandparent who acknowledges that being apart is hard, but I choose to focus on the ways we can stay connected.
– I am a grandparent who reminds myself that even small, consistent efforts create meaningful bonds.
– I am a grandparent who stays present in the moments I share with my grandchildren.
This resilience—accepting the challenges while remaining focused on the opportunities—is the foundation for sustained connection.
Modeling Values and Life Lessons
Grandparents are natural role models for their grandchildren. Being intentional about the values you model ensures your legacy will last:
– I am a grandparent who models kindness, resilience, and curiosity in all I do.
– I am a grandparent who communicates with intention and clarity to strengthen family bonds.
– I am a grandparent who prioritizes building a legacy of love and understanding.
Taking Care of Yourself
To show up for your grandchildren, you need to prioritize your own well-being. Intentional self-care is essential, especially for long distance grandparents who experience complex emotions associated with distance, feelings of loss while simultaneously coping with many of the things that are just more likely to happen as we get older (e.g., caregiving, death and dying, retirement, etc.).
– I am a grandparent who prioritizes my own well-being so I can show up with love, energy, and positivity.
– I am a grandparent who values my unique role and the impact I have on my family.
– I am a grandparent who actively processes my own grief so it does not negatively impact my relationship with my adult child and grandchildren.
Joining a Community of Intentional Grandparents
If you’re ready to bring your intentions to life, consider joining a community of like-minded grandparents. I’ve been helping grandparents do exactly this for over 4 years in The LDG Society where I offer tools, ideas, and support to help you fulfill your “I am a grandparent who…” statements. Through our programs, you will be able to:
– Discover new ways to connect with your grandchildren.
– Access expert guidance and resources.
– Join a supportive network of grandparents who share your desire to nurture strong and meaningful relationships from a distance
I make sure you have a plan for connection, and numerous ways to fulfill this plan. Because as a long distance grandparent, without a plan, it’s easy to let days turn into weeks without connecting. But when you have clear intentions and a structure for staying in touch, you create a rhythm of connection. Planning ensures you’re not just reacting to the distance but actively working to bridge it.
Your Intentional Grandparenting Journey
As a long distance grandparent, your intentionality is your superpower. By setting clear intentions and planning your actions, you can nurture relationships that transcend distance and leave a lasting impact on your grandchildren. Take the first step by writing your own “I am a grandparent who…” statement today. Together, we can create meaningful, joyful, and enduring connections!
Happy Connecting!
Kerry
Founder
The Long Distance Grandparent
