Hi everyone! I’m an entrepreneurship student at Loyola Marymount University and I’m currently doing research on how to improve the means by which grandparents can connect with their children/grandchildren and vice versa. In my own experience, I talk to my grandma over the phone. While she has expressed interest in speaking over video chat rooms, there is usually some technological issue. She has also told me that she doesn’t want to feel like a burden by calling every week so she waits until I call. I didn’t like hearing this not only because I don’t want my grandma to ever feel like a burden, but also because I know I could be better at contacting her. I sincerely enjoy our talks, but know there has to be a more accessible and personal way to communicate. I am on this website because I would love to hear about the experiences of seniors who might have some difficulties related to communicating with their children or grandchildren. All feedback is welcome and greatly appreciated!
Seeking Advice by Jordan Atwell
November 4, 2020 by ElderChicks
6 Responses
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ElderChicks 
There is something called a ‘family chat’ that any teen ager or other techie can
set up. My family has this, but my teen age grandchildren set it up. It does
require use of a smart phone. Another thing you can do is ask your grandmother when is a GOOD time for you to call her, and when is not a good
time, like her meal times. Then you put the good times on your calendar, and call her more often when she says is a good time.
I stay in touch with my granddaughters via cell phone text. Texting can be read and answered at the convenience if either party. I also play Words with friends with each of them. Again each can be done at their convenience and we still know we are thinking of each other. Sometimes its hard to find a lot to talk about in a phone conversation.
That is so thoughtful and commendable of you to think of assisting a grandparent in communicating with children and grandchildren. It is so easy for the weeks and months (even years) to pass without that type of connection. My grandchildren are all in distant places and I hear about them through their parents but not directly. I wish it were different but they have very busy lives. So thank you for suggesting developing a link to make it easier.
Response to Jordan.
I love speaking or texting or FaceTiming with my grandchildren. It has lifted my spirits during this pandemic since we are geographically separated. I don’t worry about bothering them. I send cartoons and Bitmoji greetings wishing them happy weekend. I don’t want them to forget about me!! I send an occasion gift from Amazon or by mail. And I have received such pleasure from their responses. I have taken classes about how to use my phone or iPad better. If the two parties work out times to connect, that would be helpful. I believe communicating in a direct way, the best results will occur.
If she doesn’t want to bother you, then call her once in a while. Keep it simple, just call her. Don’t complicate things with “technology”. Pretend like she is a normal human being rather than a “senior”.
Call. Maybe on a weekend. My mom would. But do not neglect a letter. On paper,written by hand or typed if your writing is unintellegable. A letter can be read again and again. It can be put in the purse and enjoyed on a lunch break at work. I could always tell my mom’s tone of voice by how her writing got bigger. Video chat sounds fun too but …