It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that one of the hardest things about raising a child abroad is being separated from grandparents. They go for months without seeing the Bean grow up at break-neck speed and, though it may sound selfish, we have to go without a little extra help most of the time.
Of course, when we do see each other it’s extra-special for everyone. Which is not to be sniffed at when the alternative could be a rushed visit on a Sunday afternoon. We’ve also found ourselves sticking to a fun keep-in-touch ritual:
Skyping on a Saturday morning
Of course, when we do see each other it’s extra-special for everyone. Which is not to be sniffed at when the alternative could be a rushed visit on a Sunday afternoon. We’ve also found ourselves sticking to a fun keep-in-touch ritual:
Skyping on a Saturday morning
Glued to grandma on the screen
It works perfectly. Bean wakes up early, Mr P&P’s parents wake up early. After a whole week without news, they’re dying to know what new and stupendously clever tricks he’s learned. After a whole week with boring old us, he’s dying for someone else’s unwavering attention.
And of course, they oblige. They make virtual coffee together and sing songs. The Bean dances for them and demonstrates the new words he’s learned.
And of course, they oblige. They make virtual coffee together and sing songs. The Bean dances for them and demonstrates the new words he’s learned.
The view from the other side
The grandparents ignore us completely because, well, our week was probably as predictably work-filled as theirs. So we get some easy Bean-tainment and a sit down, or time to clear up the debris from breakfast.
I don’t think he understands the concept of talking to someone who’s not there - I’ve seen him try to hand them something or look behind the screen. Moments like that, when he’s clearly a bit confused, obviously tug at my motherly guilt strings.
I don’t think he understands the concept of talking to someone who’s not there - I’ve seen him try to hand them something or look behind the screen. Moments like that, when he’s clearly a bit confused, obviously tug at my motherly guilt strings.
Here, have a block
Nevertheless, I can’t imagine a life without these video calls. Can’t imagine what it must have been like to yell down a crackly phone line once a month, to have to wait long seconds for the other person to even hear you, never mind reply.
Video calls are in no way a substitute for real-life grandma & grandpa time, but I think it helps. It helps with the knowing and remembering. It helps with the missing, after we’ve been there or they’ve been here.
The Saturday morning skype calls are a habit we’ve fallen into unintentionally, but they are now such a lovely part of our weekends that I’m certain all five of us look forward to them!
*For the record, we also skype regularly with the other set of grandparents! We just don't have a routine for it :-)
Video calls are in no way a substitute for real-life grandma & grandpa time, but I think it helps. It helps with the knowing and remembering. It helps with the missing, after we’ve been there or they’ve been here.
The Saturday morning skype calls are a habit we’ve fallen into unintentionally, but they are now such a lovely part of our weekends that I’m certain all five of us look forward to them!
*For the record, we also skype regularly with the other set of grandparents! We just don't have a routine for it :-)
