Long Distance Grandparenting, by Dan Spencer III

Most grandparents agree that grandparenting is one of the most enjoyable aspects of their lives. And for many, being in close proximity to grandkids is one of the most important reasons why. Yet, for millions of grandparents, the reality is that their grandchildren live quite a distance away. Research indicates that more than 50% of grandparents live more than two hundred miles from their grandchildren. Alison Bryant, AARP’s senior vice president of research, notes that “a whopping 89 percent of grandparents think that engaging with their grandkids improves their mental well-being.”

A lack of meaningful contact can result in grandparents feeling like their grandkids will never really know them. Others grandparents feel like they are missing out on the best part of their lives and still others harbor mixed feelings in that they want their adult kids to be happy and successful but feel they are missing out, too. …

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