LO1 is almost 2, and LO2 is on the way, and I don't think I do a great job of including my in-laws in things. I try really hard (we Skype, I send periodic pictures/texts/videos, and I try to talk about them often so that he has context for their visits. I also try to save some special "firsts" for when they visit or we visit them.) But I feel like I could be doing a lot more--but what?
How do you make long-distance grandparents feel included?
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
I send all our families updates via 23 Snaps. It's just photo sharing but more private and personal than Facebook I think. That's pretty much it..,
nectarine / 2641 posts
@Foodnerd81: We use that as well! I love it, and it's also how I get pics of my niece, whose mom doesn't have FB.
I guess I feel guilty because LO is so close to my parents. My mom rarely doesn't see him on any given day, and my dad sees him at the least weekly.
pomegranate / 3845 posts
@Jess1483: I send pictures but that's about it. Hopefully you get some cool ideas from other bees 
nectarine / 2521 posts
@Jess1483: It's hard! My in-laws are a few states away and we do the same as you are doing with texting/photos/Face time. A few ideas:
- Does your MIL sew? My MIL made all of our son's bed set and makes him bibs and monogrammed shirts. If either in-law paints or has any special artistic talent, maybe ask them to contribute something for your LO as a keepsake.
- If you don't already, try to include them by asking for advice. I will call and ask occasionally their experience and advice on a parenting situation.
It does make me a bit sad my LO won't know that set of grandparents as well, but I am very glad he is close (and spoiled!) by my parents and has two great sets of grandparents in his life. Sounds like your LO is that blessed too
pomegranate / 3127 posts
I think you're doing the best you can I have a cousin in another country and he tells his kids (my grandma's great-grandkids) about their great-grandma a lot, calls her and puts the kids on the phone. She can't visit because of her age, but they know who she is and that she loves them It's sad that they don't get to meet, but I hope when the kids are older they'll come to visit her instead...
papaya / 10343 posts
I post pics and updates on FB almost every day. I also send texts and videos to my MIL probably at least weekly, and I send her updates on fb for all doc appointments and developments. And we Skype about once/month. LO is only 6 mo though. I think when she's older we might up the skyping.
honeydew / 7444 posts
I send photos almost every day and we chat via FaceTime 1-2 times a week with each set of grandparents. There is only so much you can do, but I try to send them pics, which makes them feel like they are closer to her.
pomelo / 5258 posts
@Jess1483: We do a lot of skyping. MIL flies out every two months and FIL comes every four.
We also try to save some firsts for our visits with them. We did the gender reveal for LO1 at their house and plan to do the same for #2. Both times it means waiting several additional weeks but their extended family doesn't get to celebrate any other milestones with them.
We also have them babysit overnight when they visit. I think they can get a lot closer to LO when I'm not around. LO really bonded with MIL & FIL when DH & I took a vacation during their last visit. It was a win/win/win.
pineapple / 12566 posts
What is your DH doing to include them? I kind of feel like that is his job.
All of the grandparents are in other countries. We FaceTime at least once per week and they all have Instagram installed on their phones so they get photos that way. When I have particularly good pics, I email them. As for visits, we see my dad maybe once per year and my ILs 3-4 times.
coconut / 8861 posts
I send magnets and Skype. I'm not close with my inlaws for several reasons.
pear / 1657 posts
We set up a private flickr account that they have access to and post tons of pictures. DH also does FaceTime with them regularly.
cantaloupe / 6634 posts
What about mailing pictures that your little guy colors? It would be a cheap but tangible way to connect with them.
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