How Grandparents Stay in Touch

Whenever Anne Upchurch got word that one of her daughters or daughters-in-law was in labor, she immediately jumped in the car and drove four or five hours it took to get to the nearest hospital. Her record is good--she hasn't missed the birth of even one of her grandchildren. An energetic grandmother of six girls and one boy, Anne passes on this practiced advice to new grandparents eager to form a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren: "Start young."

Like Anne, the many grandparents who responded to our call for ideas and activities have found ways to develop early and lasting bonds with their grandchildren. They send letters and e-mails, talk on the phone and exchange videos or audiotapes. When they're together, they build birdhouses, tell family stories, play with model trains and explore the outdoors.

Despite the differences in their approach, these grandparents clearly have one common aim: to take part in shaping their grandchildren's lives. They want to create memories and pass on family traditions. Whether they live across the ocean from their grandchildren or right next door, these readers offer innovative, tested ideas for maintaining close ties--right from the beginning.

Emily B. Todd enjoyed playing endless games of gin rummy with her grandfather.