I feel sad. Disappointed. Somewhat crushed.
Trying to maintain relationships by phone are sometimes trying. The technology of Skyping and Face time have greatly improved communications, but still ... being able to see others face-to-face on a regular basis keeps relationships healthier. Don't you think?
The case in point
But what triggers my sadness today is we haven't even had a good telephone conversation with them. Last month, they weren't their usual exuberant selves. We have been waiting for an opportunity to talk to them for the last two weeks, but it just hasn't happened. So this morning, they called while on their way to school. Excited hellos from us, a hello from one of them and silence from the other. Papa and I tried to ask about soccer, their achievements, their fun, but nothing seemed to spark a conversation. Mom explained that Noah was feeling grumpy this morning, and my attempts at kidding and telling them Papa was a little sleepy and asking if there was anyone in the car who was happy. That wasn't very humorous (to anyone but me (Dopey), that is).
Their lives are changing. They are approaching ages 5 and 7, and beginning to be more involved with their friends, soccer, swimming, all the exciting adventures their Dad takes them to and spending many really good times with their cousins. They are blessed indeed.
.JPG) |
| At another motorcross event |
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| With their cousins |
There is never a dull moment for them and it occurred to me that maybe quiet time for them is in the car on the way to school. (That is just my logic today. ;-))
My head reminds me these boys always look forward to our visits and also want to come stay with us and I know that when we see them again, they will be very excited and happy for us to be there, and we will have a great time.
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| Sad good-byes when we leave |
But my heart is a little down. So, my question here is, for you who have grandchildren out-of-town, any suggestions on maintaining relationships with children by telephone? All previous phone calls with them have always been exuberant, happy to hear from us and excited to show off.
Any good tips? Good conversation starters?
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11 comments:
I have a grandson that lives in Michigan ( I live in Ontario Canada) I find as he gets older the less he wants to telephon chat, he seems not really interested. Your Grandchildren are a bit younger than our grandson , I wish I had some advice but I don' sorry, they are a beautiful family,
I have problems with my first three grands. Ages 6,8, and 10 - I have YET to buy a present they like! I worked hard at seeing them once a month when we were down in Houston - but I have given up. They are busy and I don't think they really want to do more than an occasional MiMi Camp and I am wondering if THAT will happen this year. It's hard to compete with all the things kids have going on these days and parents and grandparents have to BOTH want this and work together to make it happen. Doesn't seem to be happening HERE! And, yes, my feelings get hurt....I thought I was a pretty cool Grandmother!
That's a hard one. I wish we as parents didn't let our kids get so "busy". I did it when my kids were that age ... soccer, karate, school "stuff", etc etc. It takes time away from what's really important and let's face it, they get tired, too. Hope things are better when you get to physically see them.
We don't have grandchildren yet, but I can imagine how it must hurt. I hope mid May comes quickly so you can see them.
Not only are you blessed at having them, but one day they will realize what a rich blessing God gave them in their grandparents.
My two older grandchildren live all the way across the country from us, so I see them twice in a good year. :(. Their dad, my son, has never been dependable in their lives so I've made sure that I kept a relationship alive with them. I call every Sunday......they tell me they look forward to talking to me even now (they'll be 21 and 17 in June). But it is very hard to think of things to talk about on the phone. When I'm there or they're here there's no problem, but I agree that phone relationships are very difficult.
Our youngest grands live only about 5 1/2 hours away, but we still only see them 4!or 5 times a year......we are going to see them this weekend so we're very excited!
My heart goes out to you - I know what you are going thru - one of ours is far away so I know how you feel. sandie
Always difficult seeing those we love far away! Our youngest is in Kansas going to college. He has one more chance to qualify for Nationals on Thursday next week otherwise we go to Kansas to get him Friday! Either way it has been a tough year missing him but exciting watching him grow! WHat a wonderful journey he is on. Love your photos, such a delightful phamily!
We have Grandkiddos that live across the country now. We won't be able to see them as often. I'm not big on phone conversations....the kids don't seem to enjoy them and I find that sending packages with silly things or something they like to play with goes over big. I write letters and always put a picture of me and my hubby as well as signing it. My daughter-in-law says they really like the pictures. I try to make them fun. When they get older, email might be good too. Cards are fun to send. Just anything that keeps them in your life works and trust me, they love you and will always be happy to see you...life just gets crazy sometimes! I have Grands that live only 10min. away and sometimes a month or more goes by and I don't see them!
Oh do I relate..we moved to Southern CA to be close to grandkids...range from 5 to 27...and only two out of the 11 do I see on a regular basis..life is so busy for all of them..breaks my heart. I now text "I love You" messages to the older ones...but they respond with a few words...but it's not a conversation. I think we as grandparents all feel this way. I have some to the conclusion..the best thing I can do is pray for them and not become depressed and enjoy the times we can be together.
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