Tips for talking on the phone with grandchildren
Depending on how old your grandchildren are, follow these tips to talk to them on the phone! This will establish a good emotional bond with them.
Being away from grandchildren is not easy for grandparents, but on many occasions it is necessary due to the circumstances that occur in life. Grandparents love to listen to their grandchildren on the phone, but depending on how old their little ones are, they will need to know how to communicate in the best possible way from a distance .
Index
WHEN GRANDCHILDREN ARE BABIES
Babies may find the device curious but they cannot talk on the phone because they simply cannot speak. Before babies are one year old, they can respond to voices they hear on the phone. Their eyes widen, and they often turn away and stare at the phone as if trying to figure out where Grandma’s voice is coming from. They usually huddle back on the phone, ready to listen again. At this stage, you need to use simple words and short sentences.
First you will have to identify yourself with your grandfather’s name that you have chosen. Then wait for the answer even if they are only guttural sounds. Babies often imitate adult conversation patterns, even if they don’t use words. Babies love to repeat.
WHEN GRANDCHILDREN ARE LITTLE CHILDREN
Young children have a hard time talking on the phone. At this stage they may be interested in talking to grandparents or simply want to continue with their own activities. It’s a good idea if you call at a specific time of day, for example, before dinner. If your young grandson doesn’t feel like talking on the phone, don’t pressure him to do so. Parents can put the phone hands-free and you can identify yourself. Using phrases and sentences familiar to the child.
You can ask specific questions because young children cannot answer more general questions. For example: ‘Are you playing with the blocks?’ It’s better than asking something like, ‘What are you doing?’ Young children may also have a hard time remembering what they did earlier in the day, focus on the present moment. You can also ask about pets.
WHEN THE CHILDREN ARE OF SCHOOL AGE
If your grandchildren are of school age, you have more to choose from when communicating with them. Questions about your friends and their activities are much more likely to generate enthusiastic responses. If your grandchildren play sports, you can ask them about it too. Use phrases and sentences that they know or that you also use when you see each other , thus consolidating your identity as an important part of your grandson’s life.
WHEN THEY ARE TEENAGERS
Teen grandchildren are special and because of that, you need to be sensitive to their moods. If they want to talk, great. If not, please call again later. Their companions are becoming more and more important to them, so try to keep up with their friends and ask specific questions about them.
If they have a problem, don’t feel like you have to solve it. Just listen. Keep asking about their favorite sports and activities. Remember to emphasize effort and not just the result of the activities you do.
Texting is also a good way to connect with teen grandchildren if they have cell phones. If your grandchildren speak in a way that you do not understand, you will only have to tell them to explain better what they are trying to tell you. They will love to teach you new things. If they have conflicts with their parents, it is generally a bad idea to side with them against their parents . Just listen and try to stay neutral.
GRANDCHILDREN WHO ARE YOUNG ADULTS
You will need to shorten conversations when they are not in the mood to talk and be available when there is something on their minds that they want to share with you. Don’t ask questions that put them in an embarrassing place, like questions about grades, jobs, and money. If they want to share this information, they will … and if not, allow them to have their privacy. For them, real conversations have more feeling than text messages.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.