As a parent, I want my children to have genuine relationships with their grandparents. Not just polite video calls twice a month, but real connections where they actually know each other. My parents would love to play a bigger role in their grandchildren’s lives—they’re keen, they’re interested, they ask questions.
The kids adore their grandparents when we visit. Yet somehow, between those visits, the relationship stays frustratingly surface-level.
Using Questions to Reveal Who They Really Are
Video calls work for quick hellos, but the pressure of being “on screen” makes children self-conscious. The scheduled nature means you’re catching up rather than sharing thoughts. Grandparents maintain a relationship, but it stays in the shallow end.
Deeper questions change everything.
Ask a seven-year-old about school and you’ll get facts. Ask them “What would you change about the world if you could?” and you’ll discover how they think. These questions give grandparents real insight—transforming “my grandchild who likes football” into “my grandchild who thinks it’s unfair that adults get to stay up late.”
Captured and saved, these responses become treasures your family will treasure for decades. If you’re wondering where to start, here are questions to ask your kids at different ages, and questions to ask your mum to capture her perspective too.
Sharing What Grandparents Can’t See
School artwork isn’t just cute pictures—it’s windows into your child’s world.
That painting shows who’s important to them. The handwriting sample demonstrates how quickly they’re growing up. Grandparents miss these tangible signs of development. By capturing select pieces—not everything, just what tells the story—you give them visual proof of progress they’d otherwise miss.
The same goes for favourite toys, games, and clothes. When grandparents can see what their grandchild is talking about (“Mr Snuggles,” “the rainbow puzzle”), conversations become richer. Context turns grandparents into allies rather than distant relatives asking polite questions.
Creating a Hub for Everything That Matters
You send photos when something big happens, but what about everything in between?
The everyday moments, funny things your children say, small milestones that don’t warrant a mass message? These get lost because there’s no easy way to share them.
The Solution Is a Home for ‘Family Stories’
Whether you choose Simirity family journal that’s designed for family storytelling, Google Drive for organized folders and documents, or Tinybeans for private photos—what matters is creating a process your whole family can contribute to. Somewhere grandparents can access to glimpse into their family’s latest news, and where the full picture of your children’s lives comes together.
This transforms the relationship from “waiting to be updated” to “actively involved.” They stop missing out and start feeling like part of daily life again.
What This Really Means
Whilst grandparents often feel the distance most acutely, they’re not alone. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends—all these people would appreciate feeling closer to your growing children. When you create systems for capturing and sharing their childhood memories privately, you’re entire family will feel a greater sense of connection.
Years from now, what will your children remember?
By creating a hub for family stories and content, not only are you connecting your family beyond the usual calls and messages, but you’re also creating a record your grown children can revisit and show their own children one day.
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