These days, people enjoy very busy lifestyles – including grandparents (my mother once told me that when she retired she was busier than ever!). Sometimes as a grandparent it is hard to keep in touch with our grandchildren. Most grandparents are still working either full or part time, and often the time gets away from us.

Here some quick and easy ways to stay in touch and remind them how special they are:

• Email them – our eldest grandson (age 10) has his own email address and we email him regularly. He only lives close by, and we see him most days, but its great fun corresponding with him. It really encourages his literacy development as well as his computer skills. If your grandchild does not have an email address, help them set one up. Websites such as Hotmail have free accounts for members. Just remember to ensure they are appropriately supervised when they are 'surfing the net'.
• Post them a letter or card – sending a quick note or card gets grandchildren used to keeping in touch with you, and they get a real buzz when there is some mail in the letter box for them.
• If you live close by, invite them over regularly for afternoon tea or for a weekend sleep over. Mixing with young people keeps you young and fit.
• Attend school, preschool or child care centre functions at the educational facility your grandchild attends. Most child care centres have grandparent afternoon teas, concerts or family visitor opportunities. You may wish to volunteer for reading group at their school, or to help at the canteen.
• If your grandchild plays sport on the weekends, offer to come along and watch. Some of our best family outings have involved a picnic rug, lunch, the newspaper and great game of under 6's soccer! Perhaps offer to take them to training once a week, the fitness will do you good. For those who are really keen, why not coach or offer to be on the club committee for a season!
• Set aside a special time during the week to phone them just for a chat.

Keeping in touch with your grandchild is easy and best of all, it will help build a bond between you for life!

Written by Susan Clarke (Grandmother to 7)