We live 16 hours from my in-laws. My kids have close relationships with their grandparents, despite rarely seeing them.

"Most mornings, my 6-year-old is the first one awake; we chat while I get coffee, and I ask if he wants to call his Meme - my mother-in-law, and his grandmother. This is one of the only times of the day he can catch her, so if he's up early enough, he almost always takes the opportunity. He eats his oatmeal and FaceTimes her until she arrives at work or is needed by an employee."

"They do the same after school or in the evenings, depending on schedules. They love to take their grandparents around the house or out in the yard while they play. No doubt they are dizzy with the poor camera work. The boys share about their day, including what they had for lunch or what they played during recess. They show what they've been working on in the backyard."

Two children, ages 6 and 8, maintain close relationships with their grandparents despite living about 1,000 miles apart. The younger child often FaceTimes Meme in the mornings while eating breakfast and again with Pops during his commute. The older child sleeps later and misses some morning calls. The children also FaceTime after school or in the evenings and show grandparents around the house and yard. Occasional mailed boxes of goodies and Venmo funds for treats supplement the contact. Driving takes 16 hours and flying about four and a half hours, so remote contact is essential for maintaining the bond.

Read at Business Insider