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Gone are the days where grandparents live close-by to their children and grandchildren. The modern phenomenon of travel and commuting for work, opportunities for retirement in distance cities and the easy availability of transport and communication, has allowed families to move further away from one another.

My oldest son turns four in April, and three children later I can count the number of times my mother has seen my children in person on one hand. This is the disadvantage of being a long-distance grandparent. But due to the array of communication that is available to society, she receives regular updates on their growth and progress.

Whether you're a grandparent who lives only a few hundred miles away or resides on the other side of the world, here are some ways you can remain known to your grandchildren and active in their lives.

TELEPHONE

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone over a century ago, I wonder if he had any idea what opportunity he was giving long-distance families? If you live in the same state or another city, or possibly another country, there are many opportunities available for cheap phone calls.

Research with telephone providers about discounts on national and international call fees and use these times to make your phone calls to family. You can also use the number of mobile phone carriers available to provide discounts on long distance calls.

You could also use another free telephone and calling system called Skype. As long as both users have this function available on their computers, you can be talking to one another through your computer.

POSTAGE SERVICES

My mother receives regular paintings and drawings that the children have artistically created for her in the mail. At a low fee, we package up gifts for one another and send in a box via our mail carriers.

Many gifts, drawings and hard copies of photos are sent via the mail. We each receive our presents to one another within days at low cost.

Another long-lost tradition found all over the world is letter writing. This is a great way to stay in touch, and for children is also a great way to encourage writing and letter writing skills. Put pen to paper, purchase some beautiful letter writing sets and encourage communication through letter writing. The cost of a postage stamp is minimal and the benefits are wonderful for all concerned.

HOME-MOVIES

Video cameras and most digital cameras have the ability to take videos too now. Create your own home movies of special times; whether

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