At PixyKids, we love when kids use technology and their creativity to connect with others. Some of our favorite stories come from grandparents who are integral to their grandchildren’s lives, in part enabled by technology. Grandparents may be nervous about using digital technology as it changes so quickly, but more grandparents are becoming tech-savvy because chances to develop stronger relationships with the grandchildren are too good to pass up.

Changing World

Until recently, children who lived far from their grandparents might only get to see them during summer vacation or holiday celebrations. The rest of the year, a monthly phone call was normal. A recent study by AARP has shown how much this has changed. Today, over a quarter of grandparents use electronic forms of technology to communicate with at least one of their grandchildren every week. More than 50% of grandparents indicated that their furthest grandchild lives over one hundred miles away, and 61% of grandparents reported they feel they do not see their furthest grandchildren enough. Distance can be shortened with the world’s ever-advancing technologies: increasingly today, grandparents are finding new ways to connect with their grandchildren, through video chat or texting. Kids’ lives move so quickly that frequent contact keeps grandparents up-to-date on school, their friends, and sports games. Continue reading →