Grandchildren getting older

The tide is in but its very peaceful here

My two are 15 and 13 and I so miss the contact we used to have, however we have a family WhatsApp and I comment on any posts they send and they usually respond with a ❤️ or a 👍which keeps me going till I see them. They do live 2 hours away.

At this moment I am with one of my grandchildren aged 11, I picked her up while mum had a tidy up, we are out having got a hot chocolate from the shop and a iced doughnut,stopped at the beach, she's scrolling on her phone so I'm doing the same, we chatted in the car, and will do so on the way home.

We have never lived close enough to our grandchildren to provide any regular care but are also see less of them as they grow up and move forward in their adult lives. I can remember doing this with my grandparents when I grew up. It did not mean I loved or cared for them any the less.

One much loved grandmother, though dead 65 years, has always been often in my mind and an influence in my life

3 of mine are working two of those three still volunteer so time is short.When I visit they make sure they are in and usually have friends in too,otherwise they msg me and share videos of concerts and festivals and share new music finds with me.Usually around midnight…lol
I don’t expect to see as much of them though our 15 year old who volunteers in motorsport often invites Papa to events ,last week it was the whole weekend at the Touring cars.
It’s a joy to see them find things to enjoy that we have always enjoyed too.
Not that I,m biased (much) but they are all great young folk ,I,m happy to have whatever time they want to share with us.

I’m in a similar situation with my 2 teenage grandsons. We keep in touch mainly through WhatsApp and occasional family get togethers. It’s bitter sweet because I miss day to day contact we had when they were younger but I am loving seeing them make their way in life.

Lifts and food. Especially eating out. 😬

If you can latch into an interest you can share that’s good too. But probably the days of wanting to just be with Granny are over.

Ferrying them around may prove useful.

I found the same. It’s a difficult time but fortunately communication is so much easier these days. Show an interest in whatever they enjoy and message or chat about that.
Also if you can, invite them for a meal at your house or in a restaurant. Young people usually enjoy their food.
And don’t be afraid to say you miss them.
I can remember being that young person and having no clue how my parents and grandparents missed me as I headed off to do my own thing so it’s best to speak out gently without appearing needy. They will always love you.