How I Read a Bedtime Story to My Grandkid 1,000 Miles Away
The ‘Long-Distance’ Tuck-In
My seven-year-old grandson lives across the country, and I was so sad to be missing out on bedtime stories. My daughter introduced me to an app called Caribu. It’s like a video call, but with a built-in library of children’s books. When I call him through the app, we can both see each other in a little window, but the main screen is the book. When I turn the page on my screen, it turns the page on his screen. It’s a magical way for us to read a book “together” before he goes to sleep.
The Shared Photo Album App That My Whole Family Actually Uses
Our ‘Virtual’ Refrigerator
We have family spread out over four different states. Trying to keep everyone updated with photos in a group text was a mess. We created a “Family” album in Google Photos and invited everyone—my kids, their spouses, even my sister. Now, anyone can add a photo. When my daughter posts a picture of my granddaughter’s soccer game, I get a little notification. It’s like a private, virtual refrigerator door where we can all share our proudest moments. It has been a wonderful, low-pressure way to stay connected.
I Set Up a “Grandkid-Proof” Profile on My Tablet in 5 Minutes
The ‘Safe Play’ Sandbox
My grandkids love playing games on my iPad, but I was always worried they would accidentally delete my emails or make an in-app purchase. I learned how to create a “kid-friendly” mode using the built-in “Screen Time” settings. I can restrict which apps they are allowed to use, disable in-app purchases, and even set a time limit. Now, when I hand them my tablet, I know they are in a safe, digital sandbox where they can play without getting into any trouble.
The Best Video Game I Play With My Grandchildren (Nintendo Switch)
The ‘Mario Kart’ Connection
I wanted to find a video game I could actually play with my 10-year-old grandson. He suggested Mario Kart on his Nintendo Switch. I was intimidated by the controller, but the game is so fun and chaotic that it doesn’t matter if you’re good at it. We spend hours laughing and racing against each other. It’s a game that is simple enough for me to play, but fun enough that he enjoys it too. It has become our favorite way to connect and have a little friendly competition.
How We Use a “Family Portal” Smart Display to Stay Connected Daily
The ‘Drop In’ for a Quick Hello
My son and his family live far away, and scheduling a formal video call can be a hassle. We both got an Amazon Echo Show, which is a smart speaker with a screen. We enabled a feature called “Drop In” just for each other. Now, I can just say, “Alexa, drop in on David’s kitchen,” and I instantly pop up on his screen. It’s perfect for a quick, two-minute “hello” while he’s making dinner. It’s made our connection feel much more spontaneous and less scheduled.
I Created a Custom Photo Book of Our Vacation Together from My Phone
The ‘Story’ of Our Trip
After a wonderful family vacation, I had hundreds of photos on my phone. I knew they would just get lost in my camera roll. I used an app called “Mpix” to create a photo book. I was able to select my 50 favorite photos right from my phone, drag them into a beautiful pre-made layout, and add little captions about our memories. A week later, a professional, hardcover book arrived. It was the perfect thank-you gift for my kids and a wonderful, tangible keepsake of our time together.
The Walkie-Talkie App My Grandkid and I Use to Send Silly Messages
Our ‘Secret’ Channel
My eight-year-old grandson has an old iPad, but he’s too young for a phone. We use a free walkie-talkie app to send each other short, silly voice messages. He can just press a big button on the screen, say “I love you, Grandpa!” and I’ll hear it on my phone a second later. I can then send a quick message back. It’s a simple, fun, and secure way for us to communicate that feels like our own little secret channel.
How to “Co-Watch” a Movie with Grandkids on Disney+ or Amazon Prime
The ‘Virtual’ Movie Night
My grandkids and I love watching Disney movies together, but we live in different states. We use the “GroupWatch” or “Watch Party” feature that’s built into most streaming services. I can start a movie on my end and send them a special link. When they click it, we can all watch the exact same movie, perfectly in sync. There’s even a little chat window where we can type messages to each other during the movie. It’s a great way to share an experience, even when we’re apart.
I Used an App to Create a “Scavenger Hunt” for Their Visit
The ‘Backyard’ Adventure
To make my grandkids’ last visit extra special, I created a backyard scavenger hunt. I used a simple app to write out clues and riddles. The first clue led them to the big oak tree, where the next clue was waiting, and so on. The final clue led them to a “treasure box” of small toys I had hidden. It was a huge hit and a really fun way to use a little bit of tech to create a real-world, memorable adventure for them.
The Best Simple, Creative Apps to Use With Young Grandchildren
Our ‘Digital’ Arts and Crafts Time
When my grandkids need some quiet time, I have a few go-to creative apps on my tablet. “Toca Boca” makes a series of wonderful, open-ended digital dollhouse-style games that they love. For drawing, the “Procreate” app is fantastic and has an endless supply of colors. And for making music, an app called “GarageBand” lets them tap on drums and play a virtual piano. These apps are great for sparking their creativity in a fun, mess-free way.
How I Use a Private Instagram Account to Share Photos with Just Family
My ‘Gated Community’ of Grandkid Photos
I love sharing photos of my grandkids, but I’m not comfortable posting them on my public Facebook page. I created a new, completely private Instagram account. I only allowed my close family and a few trusted friends to “follow” me. Now, I have a safe, private space where I can share all the adorable photos I want, with the peace of mind that they are only being seen by the people I’ve personally approved.
The Digital “Care Package” I Sent to My Grandchild at College
The ‘Long-Distance’ Hug
My granddaughter was feeling stressed during her first finals week at college. I wanted to send her a “care package,” but with a modern twist. I sent her a single email with a few digital goodies. It included a twenty-five-dollar DoorDash gift card for a late-night study snack, a link to a relaxing ambient sounds playlist on Spotify, and a heartfelt, encouraging message from me. It was a simple, instant way to send her a long-distance hug and a little bit of support.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Device Before the Grandkids Arrive
My ‘Peace of Mind’ Settings
Before my grandkids come to visit, I take five minutes to set up the parental controls on my tablet. Using the “Screen Time” settings, I can disable in-app purchases so they can’t accidentally spend my money. I can also restrict access to certain apps, like my email and my banking app. And I can set a content filter for the web browser. It’s a simple setup process that gives me peace of mind and ensures they can play safely.
The Story of How We Built a LEGO Masterpiece Following a YouTube Tutorial
Our ‘Shared’ Project
My grandson got a huge, complicated LEGO set for his birthday and was getting frustrated with the paper instruction booklet. We propped my iPad up next to his building area and found a “speed build” video on YouTube for his exact set. The video showed the entire building process, step-by-step. We could pause the video after each step and work on it together. It turned a potentially frustrating experience into a fun, collaborative project that we successfully completed as a team.
I Used an App to Make a “Family History” Video with My Grandchild
Our ‘Interview’ with a Time Traveler
I wanted to share some of my life stories with my 12-year-old granddaughter. We used my phone to make a little “interview” video. She got to be the director and ask me questions about what life was like when I was her age. I told her stories about my childhood, and we found a few old photos to show the camera. We then used a simple video editing app to put it all together. It was a wonderful bonding experience and a fun way to pass down our family history.
The Best Way to Send Money to a Grandchild Safely (For Their Birthday)
The ‘Digital’ Check
For my grandson’s birthday, I wanted to send him fifty dollars. Instead of putting cash or a check in the mail, which can get lost, I used Zelle. It’s a service that is built right into my own bank’s app. Because my daughter was already one of my Zelle contacts, I could just select her, type in the amount, and add a note that said “For Sam’s birthday!” The money was transferred from my bank account to hers instantly and securely, and it didn’t cost a thing.
I Started a “Words With Friends” Game with My Teen Grandson. He Cheats.
My ‘Friendly’ Feud
It can be hard to connect with my teenage grandson. I invited him to play “Words with Friends,” a Scrabble-like game on our phones. It’s been a fantastic, low-pressure way for us to connect. We send each other messages in the game’s chat. I’m pretty sure he uses an online anagram solver to find ridiculously high-scoring words, but I don’t even care. It’s our little running joke, and it gives us a fun, shared activity that we can do every day.
How to Use FaceTime Effects and Filters to Make Your Grandkids Laugh
The ‘Silly Face’ Call
My video calls with my young grandkids used to be a little stiff. Then I discovered the “effects” in FaceTime. During a call, I can tap the screen and turn myself into a cartoon owl or give myself a silly animated mustache. The moment I do it, they erupt in giggles. It’s a simple, fun feature that immediately breaks the ice and turns a standard video call into a playful, interactive experience that they look forward to.
The Best Car Games to Play on a Tablet During a Road Trip
The ‘Are We There Yet?’ Antidote
On a long road trip with my grandkids, I came prepared with an “antidote” for their boredom. I had pre-loaded my tablet with a few great car-friendly games. “Sago Mini World” is fantastic for the younger ones, with lots of simple, open-ended play. For the older one, “Minecraft” can keep him occupied for hours. And for us to play together, a good “Heads Up!” style trivia game is always a hit. A little bit of digital preparation made the long drive much more peaceful.
I Used a Genealogy Site to Show My Grandkid Where We Came From
Our ‘Family’s’ Map
My granddaughter had a school project about her family heritage. I sat down with her on my computer and we logged into my Ancestry.com account. I was able to show her the ship’s manifest with her great-great-grandfather’s name on it when he came over from Ireland. We looked at old census records and were able to trace our family’s journey on a map. It was a powerful, visual way to show her that she is part of a long, interesting story.
The App That Lets You Draw Together on a Shared Digital Whiteboard
Our ‘Long-Distance’ Doodles
My granddaughter and I love to draw together. We use a free app that provides a shared digital whiteboard. I can send her a link, and we can both draw on the same canvas at the same time, from our own separate houses. I’ll draw the body of a silly monster, and then she’ll draw the head. It’s a wonderful, real-time creative collaboration that lets us have fun together, even when we’re miles apart.
How We Use a Shared Calendar for Family Birthdays and Events
The ‘Never Forget a Birthday’ System
With a big, spread-out family, it was getting hard to keep track of everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries. We created a “Family Events” calendar on Google Calendar and invited all my kids and their spouses. Now, everyone can add their own important dates. I have it synced to my phone, so I get a notification a week before a grandchild’s birthday, giving me plenty of time to send a card. It’s the central nervous system for our family’s schedule.
The Best Kid-Safe YouTube Alternative (YouTube Kids)
The ‘Worry-Free’ Video Zone
My grandkids love watching videos, but I’m always worried about what they might stumble upon on regular YouTube. I downloaded the “YouTube Kids” app to my tablet. It’s a separate, curated version of YouTube that is designed specifically for children. The content is all age-appropriate, and I can even set a password to control the settings and choose which specific channels they are allowed to watch. It gives me peace of mind and gives them a safe place to explore.
I Taught My Grandchild Cursive Using a Tablet and Stylus
The ‘Old Skill,’ with a New Tool
My grandson’s school doesn’t teach cursive handwriting anymore. I wanted to pass on the skill. I used my iPad and an Apple Pencil. I downloaded a simple handwriting app that has ruled lines. I was able to write out the letters, and he could trace them with the stylus right on the screen. The “undo” feature was fantastic, as he could erase any mistakes and try again without getting frustrated. It was a fun and effective way to bridge a generational gap using modern technology.
How to Set Up a “Grandma’s Wifi” Network with Safe Search Enabled
My ‘Internet’ with Guardrails
When my grandkids visit, they always want to use my Wi-Fi. To make sure they’re safe online, I enabled the “Guest Network” feature on my home’s router. I named it “Grandma’s Wifi.” The key is that for this guest network, I was able to turn on a “safe search” filter at the router level. This helps to block adult content on any device that is connected to the guest network. It’s a simple way to create a set of digital “guardrails” in my home.
The Best Way to Record Your Life Stories for Future Generations
My ‘Legacy,’ in My Own Voice
I wanted to leave more than just photos for my grandkids. I decided to record my life stories. I used the “StoryCorps” app. It provides a list of great, thought-provoking questions to get you started. I just chose a question, hit record on my phone, and told a story for a few minutes. The app saves the audio, and I can even upload it to the Library of Congress. It’s a meaningful way to preserve my voice and my memories for my family’s future.
I Used a “Star Gazing” App with My Grandkid in the Backyard
The ‘Cosmos’ in Our Hands
On a clear night, I took my grandson out into the backyard. We used a free app on my phone called “SkyView Lite.” I just had to point the phone up at the sky, and the app would show us which constellations and planets we were looking at. We were able to find Mars and Jupiter and trace the outline of Orion’s Belt. It turned a simple night in the backyard into a magical and educational tour of the cosmos that we could share together.
How We Held a “Virtual Tea Party” Over Zoom
Our ‘Cross-Country’ Celebration
My granddaughter’s birthday was last week, but she lives in another state. We decided to have a “virtual tea party” to celebrate. My daughter set up a Zoom video call. My granddaughter got dressed up and had her little tea set, and I got dressed up and had my own cup of tea. We were able to sing “Happy Birthday,” watch her open my present, and have a lovely chat. It was a creative and fun way to celebrate a special occasion together, despite the distance.
The Best Way to Introduce a Young Child to a Computer Mouse
The ‘Connect the Dots’ Game
My five-year-old grandson wanted to use my “big computer.” I wanted to teach him how to use a mouse. I found a simple, free online game that was a “connect the dots” puzzle. It required him to move the mouse pointer from one number to the next and click. It was the perfect, low-stakes game that taught him the fundamental skills of moving the cursor and clicking, all while he was just having fun.
I Made a Personalized Storybook Online with My Grandchild as the Hero
The ‘Star of the Story’
For my granddaughter’s birthday, I wanted a truly unique gift. I used a website called “Wonderbly.” I was able to create a personalized storybook where she was the main character. I entered her name and chose an avatar that looked like her. The website then generated a beautiful, illustrated book about her amazing adventures. When she read a book where she was the hero of the story, her face lit up with pure joy.
How to Troubleshoot Your Grandchild’s Tech (And Be the Hero)
The ‘Grandpa’s Tech Support’
My grandson’s tablet was acting up, and he was getting frustrated. I remembered the number one rule of tech support: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” We held down the power button, restarted the tablet, and it fixed the problem instantly. Being able to solve his simple tech issue made me feel like an absolute hero in his eyes. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
The Best Educational Games That Don’t Feel Like Homework
The ‘Stealth’ Learning
I want my grandkids to keep learning, but I don’t want to just give them digital flashcards. I’ve found some great educational games that are actually fun. “Teach Your Monster to Read” is a fantastic app that teaches phonics through a fun adventure game. “Prodigy Math” is an adventure game where you have to solve math problems to cast spells and battle monsters. These games are brilliant because the kids are learning critical skills while they think they are just playing.
I Use My Smart Speaker to Play “Freeze Dance” with the Little Ones
The ‘On-Demand’ Dance Party
When my young grandkids are getting restless, my secret weapon is my smart speaker. I just have to say, “Alexa, play Freeze Dance.” The speaker will start playing upbeat kids’ music and then randomly stop, shouting “Freeze!” The kids have to freeze in place. It’s a hilarious and simple game that gets them moving, burns off a ton of energy, and requires zero setup or equipment on my part.
How to Create a Shared “Wish List” for Christmas and Birthdays
The ‘No More Guessing’ Gift Guide
Buying gifts for my grandkids was becoming a guessing game. We started using a shared “Wish List” on Amazon. My kids can add ideas for the grandkids to the list throughout the year. When it’s time for a birthday or Christmas, I can just go to the list and buy a gift that I know they actually want. When I buy something, I can mark it as “purchased,” so no one else buys the same thing. It has made gift-giving so much easier and more effective.
The Best Way to “Screen Share” to Show Them Something on Your Computer
My ‘Show and Tell’ for the Digital Age
I was trying to explain to my grandson over the phone how to do something on a website, and it was getting confusing. We hopped on a quick Google Meet video call. I used the “Present Screen” feature. This allowed him to see my computer screen on his own computer. I was able to walk him through the website step-by-step, moving my mouse and showing him exactly where to click. It’s an invaluable tool for “showing” instead of just “telling.”
I Used a Movie-Making App to Turn Our Home Videos into a “Film”
The ‘Blockbuster’ of Our Family Vacation
I had a bunch of short video clips from our last family vacation. I used a simple, free video editing app on my phone to stitch them together. I was able to trim out the boring parts, add some fun music, and even put a title at the beginning that said “The Thompson Family Summer Adventure.” I then played the five-minute “movie” on the TV for everyone. It was a huge hit and a much more engaging way to relive our memories than just watching the raw clips.
How to Help Your Grandchild with Their Homework Over a Video Call
The ‘Virtual’ Study Hall
My granddaughter was struggling with a math concept. We set up a video call. I had her point her tablet’s camera down at her worksheet so I could see the problems she was working on. We were able to talk through the problems together. It wasn’t as good as being there in person, but it was a surprisingly effective way for me to provide real, helpful homework assistance from a distance.
The Digital Photo Frame That Our Kids Can Update Remotely
Our ‘Living’ Photo Album
My wife and I received a Skylight digital photo frame as a gift, and it’s one of the best things we own. It has its own email address. Our kids and grandkids can email a new photo directly to the frame, and it just appears in our living room moments later. We get a constant, fresh stream of family photos without having to do anything at all. It’s a wonderful, passive way to feel connected to their daily lives.
I Learned My Grandson’s Favorite Video Game (And Scored Major Points)
My ‘Level Up’ as a Grandparent
My 12-year-old grandson is obsessed with a video game called “Minecraft.” I had no idea what it was. I asked him to explain it to me. I even watched a few YouTube videos about it so I could understand the basics. The next time I saw him, I was able to ask him, “Have you found any diamonds lately?” or “Are you building anything cool?” The fact that I took a genuine interest in his hobby meant the world to him, and it opened up a whole new level of conversation between us.
The Best “Read-Aloud” Story Apps for Kids
The ‘Storyteller’ on Demand
Sometimes I’m just too tired to read another bedtime story. I’ve found some great “read-aloud” story apps. The “Vooks” app has beautifully animated storybooks where the words are highlighted as they are read. For audio-only stories, the “Pinna” app has a huge library of kids’ podcasts and audiobooks. These apps are a great way to provide a high-quality story experience for my grandkids, especially on those nights when my own voice needs a rest.
How We Use Google Earth to “Visit” Places We’re Reading About
From ‘the Page’ to ‘the Planet’
My granddaughter was reading a book that was set in Paris. To help bring the story to life, we opened Google Earth on my computer. We were able to “fly” to Paris and, using the Street View feature, we could “walk” down the same streets that the characters in the book were on. We found the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It was a magical way to connect the words on the page to the real world and it made the story so much more vivid and memorable for her.
The Best Way to Print a Great Photo You Took of Your Grandkid
From ‘My Phone’ to ‘My Frame’
I took a photo of my grandson on my phone that I absolutely loved, and I wanted to frame it. I learned that just printing it at a one-hour photo kiosk can result in poor quality. I used a professional online printing service called Mpix. I uploaded the photo from my phone directly to their website, chose the size I wanted, and they mailed me a beautiful, high-quality professional print on archival paper. The quality was so much better than a drugstore print.
I Created a “Coupon Book” for Grandkid Activities and Printed It at Home
The ‘Gift’ of My Time
For my grandkids’ birthdays, instead of just another toy, I wanted to give them the gift of my time. I used a simple template in Microsoft Word to create a “Grandpa’s Coupon Book.” Each coupon was for a special activity, like “Good for one trip to the ice cream parlor” or “Good for building a LEGO masterpiece together.” I printed it out, stapled it together, and it was their favorite gift. It was a simple, heartfelt present that was made possible with a little bit of tech.
How to Use a Simple Coding App to Play with Your Grandchild
The ‘Building Blocks’ of a Website
I wanted to find an activity that was both fun and educational to do with my tech-savvy grandson. We used an app called “Grasshopper” from Google. It teaches the basic principles of coding using fun, simple puzzles and games. We worked together to solve the challenges. I learned something new, and he got to feel like the expert, teaching me along the way. It was a fantastic bonding experience that engaged both of our brains.
The “Marco Polo” App: The Perfect Way to Communicate with a Busy Family
The ‘Video’ Walkie-Talkie
Trying to schedule a live video call with my kids and grandkids across different time zones is impossible. We started using an app called “Marco Polo.” It’s like a video walkie-talkie. I can record a short video message for them, and they can watch it whenever they have a free moment and then record a reply. It’s not live, which takes all the pressure off. It allows us to have face-to-face conversations on our own schedules.
I Used an App to Identify Birds and Bugs on Our Nature Walk
Our ‘Naturalist’ Notebook
When I go on a nature walk with my grandkids, they are full of questions that I can’t answer. “What kind of bird is that?” “What’s that weird bug?” I started using an app called “Seek by iNaturalist.” I can just point my phone’s camera at any plant, animal, or insect, and the app uses image recognition to identify it for me. It has turned our simple walks into exciting nature detective adventures.
The Best Way to Set Time Limits on a Tablet or Gaming System
The ‘Screen Time’ Sheriff
My grandkids could play on their tablets for hours if I let them. I’ve learned to use the built-in screen time management tools. On an iPad, the “Screen Time” setting allows me to set a daily time limit for specific apps or categories of apps, like “Games.” When their time is up, the apps are grayed out. It’s a simple, non-confrontational way for me to be the “sheriff” and enforce our screen time rules without a constant argument.
How We Used a Green Screen App to Make a Silly Movie
Our ‘Hollywood’ Special Effects
I bought a cheap green tablecloth to use as a “green screen.” I hung it up on a wall. We then used a video app on my iPad that has a “green screen” effect. My grandkids could stand in front of the green cloth, and the app would replace the background with anything we wanted—the surface of the moon, a jungle, or a video of them flying through the sky. It was a hilarious and incredibly fun way to make our own silly, special-effects-filled movies.
I Finally Figured Out What Snapchat Is (And Why My Grandkid Uses It)
The ‘Disappearing’ Message
My teenage granddaughter was always on an app called Snapchat. I asked her to explain it to me. She showed me that it’s a messaging app where the pictures and videos you send disappear after the other person has seen them. She said that’s why she likes it—it feels more like a real, in-the-moment conversation and less like a permanent record. Understanding the “why” behind the app helped me understand her world a little better.
The Tech That Helps Me Be the “Cool Grandparent”
My ‘Secret’ Weapon
I’ve learned that embracing a little bit of technology is my secret weapon to being the “cool grandparent.” When I can use FaceTime filters to make my grandkids laugh, when I can join them in a game of Mario Kart, or when I can use an app to identify a weird bug on our walk, I’m not just using technology. I’m speaking their language. I’m showing them that I’m interested in their world. And that’s the coolest thing a grandparent can do.