Grandparenting, Then and Now

Once upon a time, kids grew up and lived with or near their parents.The grandkids were always able to see Gramma and Grampa and life was simple.

As the grandparents aged, they often went to live with one of their children. Although more typical in other countries; as a girl growing up in Canada, I remember having my grandfathers each live with us at various times in their later years. I may not always have appreciated them, especially as a teenager, but there was definitely a close bond between us.

Whether she was called Grandma, Ava or another equally loved name, Gramma was the one who often helped care for the grandchildren, especially if mom worked outside the home. The grandkids grew up feeling loved, cared for, and very close to their grandparents.

Not so anymore. Sometimes, due to job requirements or finding a mate in another place, our kids move far away. Whether that far away is the other side of town or the other side of the world, we miss them. And we miss our grandkids even more.

One solution is to go visit them often. But if you are still working, or short on finances, that might be impossible, especially if the distance is great. And unfortunately, some families don't have the space in their homes or their hearts to have you spend a lengthy holiday with them.

But there is another way to stay close to your grandkids. Although it involves some extra effort, you can keep in touch and become a high tech grandparent. Send emails, produce a regular newsletter, share digital photos or videos, or even join your grandkids in an online game.

Thanks to my computer, I am now a Supergramma, able to keep in touch and bond with my grandkids. Sure, there is a learning curve, but once you start connecting with the help of a computer, it will be well worth the effort.

So put on your learning cap and get those brain cells moving. Itwon't be long before you will be grabbing your own cape and flying through the distance - turning those miles into smiles!

Carol Bremner, aka SuperGramma, is a computer loving member of the gray generation. If you'd like to learn how to "turn the miles into smiles", visit her at http://www.supergramma.com