by Jennifer Wells

Created on: September 24, 2011

“My grandchildren are the light of my life.” This phrase has often been uttered down through time, most likely followed with a recounted memory or a peek into the travel-sized photo album that just happens to be handy. This statement also generally brings with it a smile and a chuckle, and that glint in the eye that tells of a secret shared.  Yes, children are a blessing to their parents, but an adoring grandchild is the best gift of all time.

How does one foster the relationship that will bring about a timeless bond of unconditional love and happiness to many hearts? Exposure is certainly a good place to start. Anybody that is consistently around a child, especially in the tender years, becomes a living extension of that child.  Babies are not aware of separate individuals, but of people in relation to their needs each person is meeting. If Grandma and Grandpa make a habit of being around, and accommodating to the needs of a youngster, the bond will grow of itself.

That is an easy answer, but of course the world is not an easy place. Not all grandparents have daily, weekly or even monthly exposure to their grandchildren. While it may be more difficult on the heart, a long distance relationship is in no way impossible. Exposure again plays a key role, but takes a different form. In fact, there are several ways to stay involved in your grandchild’s life.

Technology is a wonderful, if fitful, thing. You may no longer be restricted to calling your grandchild for predetermined amounts of time. Long distance is ‘free’ with many landline carriers. If you prefer cell phones, it is simple enough to choose the same provider as your child so you can share ‘free’ air time. Video chat via Skype on the computer is also a wonderful thing, and allows a grandparent to both see and hear the child directly. You may see the babies very well even, depending on the available bandwidth.

Make sure these calls, web sessions and chats are laden with details. The little things really add up over time. It is a great idea to have the grandchild call or video chat with his grandparents for as many of the little occasions as the large ones. Do not wait for a birthday or anniversary to celebrate; celebrate the little things! Call mom when Becky gets an A+ on her report card. Scan and email or instant message pictures Sam has drawn for school or out of the blue. Mail a surprise box with the water colors or finger paintings, and throw in

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