How can one be a grandparent to a baby born overseas ?

Libby - posted on 05/25/2011

Hi Tina!

I know you posted this a while ago but i am sure you still desire close relationship to your grandchild (children by now?).

I just posted a blog with 10 ideas on how to help your parents remain close to your kids when you are overseas. If you have time, take a look. I'd love to hear your ideas too on how you've decided to cultivate relationship with them! You can find the post here: http://libbystephens.com/blog/third-cult...

It's a little long, but I think it speaks to your very question.

Warmly,
Libby

Julie - posted on 02/04/2010

Hi Tina I was the grandchild as were my two brothers whom lived on the other side of the planet to my mums parents.I am in australia and nanna and grandad were (they have both passed on now) in england. We only saw each other a few times in our lives (we did go to england for two years when I was about eight) But I can tell you I loved them very much and felt I had a strong bond with my nanna! We used to write letters, used the tape recorder, and the occasional telephone call. You have a computer!! Lots of photos are the key! I know it is not the same as a hug but my Nanna meant a lot to me! Take photos of yourself doing things you enjoy and momma can talk about you and send you lots of photos in return. You dont have to live next door to be a VERY special Nanna! I hope this helps :)

Tammie - posted on 01/31/2010

Not having extra money is like being grounded huh? Its not right. Does your son and daughter-in-law have the internet? You can purchase a web cam for next to nothing. I know it won't be the same, but you will be able to build a relationship so when you do get to go overseas you won't be strangers.

Marina - posted on 01/25/2010

If you can not go yet, it would be nice to start writing letter to that beautiful grandbaby that is coming soon to be a vital human being and part of your life. Tell that baby how excited you are about his/her arrival, how much you love him/her and how you plan to love him/her and write down in a special letter how is her/his birth is already impacting your life!!!
I have one grandbaby and the second one coming in May it is the most precious gift from God...I am very excited for being a grandma.
God bless you.
Marina

Masabona Alesia - posted on 01/22/2010

I AM MARRIED TO AN ITALIN AND ALL I WANTED WAS MY PARENTS TO BE THERE FOR ME WHEN MY FIRST WAS BORN.IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AS MY MOTHER STILL WORKS BUT I SEND A LOT OF PHOTO AND WE COMMUNICATED WITH SKYPE.IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER FACE ON BUT WE DID IT.YOU CAN START TO SAVE NOW FOR LATER.GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS.REMEMBER THAT IT'S HARD FOR THEM TOO.

Cara - posted on 01/18/2010

I have a built-in webcam in my netbook, and I'm sure before too long the family will have theirs connected.I would encourage all the techno phobics out there to take the plunge-it takes time to get into it all but it's well worth the effort.Become thoroughly modern grannies!

Wanda - posted on 01/17/2010

My mom lives 2000 miles away and neither of us can afford to travel a lot. But just because she can't see my son doesn't mean she loves him any less. I know she loves him and he has his own photo album with pics of all his family in it, he loves to look at it and I tell him who everyone is. When I talk to my mom I make sure that she always gets a chance to talk to him as well. My little guy is 2 and doesn't talk back often but he smiles and listens to her. My parents are totally computer illiterate (they don't even own one) so I can't even email or use a web cam. I take a tonne of pics and send tem to her. It's not the same as being there to hug and hold but I do my best to include my parents.

Julie - posted on 01/17/2010

Poor you, I am sure you will do the best you can. And I am sure your son will understand. All you each need is a web cam, join Skype (it's free) and you can see your grandchild everyday!!

Cara - posted on 01/15/2010

I empathise with all these Grans, but facebook and my lovely daughter-in-law have helped me to get to know our little grandson.We can't wait for their visit to S Africa,we will get to meet him at last! I agree that the love one feels is alwaays there even when you have never met the child.We must always make the effort to keep in touch.

Ink - posted on 01/15/2010

Bless your heart! There's a baby on the way and you can't hug it! I'm so sorry :(

When my brother passed away, the airline cut me a discount on my airfare, they gave me a discount because I was on the way to his funeral. Maybe you can call around and ask about discounts on the travel fare?

My mother is 200 miles from us, we don't get to see her often either. My mother is totally computer illiterate, but we did manage to install Yahoo on her computer and she can log in, I turn on the webcam and she can watch him playing in the living room floor.

Its certainly a long shot from holding the little one, I know.. I'm so sorry...

Lisa - posted on 01/14/2010

Just because you cant see your grandchild yet you will still have love for her or him. A parent has unconditional love and you as a grandparent will have love that is so pure. Once you see your grandchild for the first in picture or in person you will fall in love with the little one. I didnt see my neice til she was almost one and when I did I just feel to pieces over her.