BRIDGING THE MILES STAYING CLOSE TO FARAWAY GRANDKIDS
distance is currently the biggest obstacle to grandparents spending as much time as they want with grandchildren. A growing number of grandparents are closing that gap by using FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, or other video- chat apps for virtual get-togethers with grandkids. The rewards of mastering those apps are worth the effort. Here are two strategies for making the most of virtual family visits. Let Kids Lead Children often revel in a grandparent’s undivided attention and delight in hosting a room tour or a show-and-tell session with their latest project or toy. A grandchild might enjoy showing you how they play with a train set or blocks. Others might like modeling their latest superhero costume or showing you how they make slime. Many games and conversations you would have when you are physically together can also work virtually, such as delivering
a joke, riddle, magic trick, song, or poem. Take turns making up stories or holding two-way conversations with hand puppets. Kids also love scavenger hunts, guessing games, or playing I Spy. Mind Their Moods When you call, your grandchildren may feel tired, excited, silly, or sad. Don’t take it personally if your grandchild checks in briefly, then breezes away to do something else. Children live in the moment. Some days, they may be eager to engage in a lively conversation, while on others, they want to roam free. They may also want to “hang out” with you without talking. Many grandparents learn to just “be in the room” as a presence on the screen. Some grandparents keep the same toys, puzzles, or craft materials on hand that their grandchildren enjoy. Then, you can either invite your grandchild to teach you how to use the items or just play alongside them.
Many parents look forward to spending their preretirement and golden years with grandchildren, cuddling on the couch, mixing cookie dough, or planting seeds in a garden. Yet that comfy dream eludes half of today’s grandparents because their grandchildren live more than 200 miles away. According to a 2023 AARP survey,
Just as a reminder to our clients, if you have created a revocable living trust with us in the last couple of years and have seen your property tax rate change on your primary residence, please give us a call. After your home is transferred into your trust, some counties require the tax exemption forms to be filled out a second time. We are happy to help our trust clients fill those out and file them with the documentation the counties need, and there is no additional fee for this service if you did your trust with us previously. Also, remember that you will qualify for the homestead exemption the year after you turn 65. This can lead to a significantly reduced property tax bill. If you believe you may qualify, be sure to contact your county auditor’s office, or feel free to call us with any questions. Keep in mind that a surviving spouse may also qualify for this exemption if their deceased spouse qualified or would have qualified. If you have any questions about any of the above, please give us a call! A Quick Reminder About Property Taxes
2 • www.strattonreynolds.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator