When my children were young my parents lived in Florida. For my children to stay connected to them, it meant waiting for visits, flipping through mailed photos, or trying to get the children to speak to them on the phone. For about a year, I had my daughter and my mom writing a story together where each would add a sentence to the story and mail it to the other to add their section. I was constantly creating new ways to keep my children connected to their long-distance grandparents.

As a grandparent I am happy that my grandchildren live relatively close by. But I see that FaceTime has helped to further facilitate my relationship with them. Now, with a simple tap, I can see my grandchildren’s faces light up in real time, watch their milestones unfold, and be part of their everyday lives. In between visits, we have played games on Facetime, read books and just have quick check ins almost every day before bed.  Facetime has truly brought us closer in ways I never expected.

Last night I was able to watch my little four-month-old granddaughter giggle with pride as she was rolling over on her playmat. Facetime has truly turned grandparenting into an almost everyday experience, which I wish my parents were able to experience.  Obviously, Facetime doesn’t replace seeing and hugging them in person, but it fills the gaps in between visits. 

Who do you Facetime?