Video Call with Grandkids

When you’re trying to video call with grandkids, a simple way to see and talk to your grandchildren when you can’t be there in person. Also known as family video chat, it’s not just about seeing their faces—it’s about hearing their laughter, watching them show off their drawings, and feeling like you’re still part of their daily world. Many grandparents worry they’re too old for tech, but you don’t need to be a wizard. You just need one working device, a quiet spot, and a little patience.

Most grandkids today are comfortable with screens, but they still need help making the call easy for you. That’s where small changes make a big difference. Use a tablet propped up on the kitchen counter so you don’t have to hold it. Turn on captions so you don’t miss words if the connection stutters. Keep the volume up so you can hear their excited squeals without leaning in. These aren’t fancy tricks—they’re basic fixes that turn frustration into connection.

Some grandparents worry they’ll mess up the call or forget how to answer. That’s normal. But here’s the truth: your grandkids don’t care if you press the wrong button. They care that you showed up. One grandma in Manchester started sending voice notes first, then moved to short video messages. Her 5-year-old began saying, "Nana, I saved your video!" That’s the win. You don’t need to be on every day. Even one call a week, if it’s warm and unhurried, builds a lasting bond.

And if your grandchild is too young to talk back? That’s okay too. Play their favorite song. Show them your garden. Read a page from a book you both love. Let them watch you sip tea. These quiet moments matter just as much as the big laughs. Technology isn’t the point—presence is.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how to set up a video call on an iPad or Android tablet, what apps work best for seniors, how to handle lag or echo, and even how to get your grandkids excited to call you back. Some parents share how they’ve trained their toddlers to hit the call button on their own. Others show how to turn a video call into a weekly ritual—like a bedtime story time or a "show me your shoes" game. You’ll see real stories from grandparents who thought they’d never get it, and now they’re the ones teaching the family how to do it right.

This isn’t about mastering tech. It’s about staying close. The tools are simple. The impact? Lifelong.