Introduction

Most long-distance grandparents want their calls to matter.

But when conversations feel short, distracted, or awkward, it’s easy to wonder if you’re really building connection—especially through a screen.

In this video, I share why five minutes of virtual storytime can create more connection than an hour of conversation on FaceTime. I also share a personal story—and a short reading—to show how storytime works quietly, even when it feels like it’s not landing in the moment.

If you’re a long-distance grandparent who misses your grandchild and wants storytime to feel easier and more meaningful, this video is for you.

💛 Free resource for long-distance grandparents:
Download the Storytime Shortcut—a simple guide that shows you:
• How to start storytime without awkwardness
• How long to read (and when to stop)
• How to end so your grandchild looks forward to next time

👉 Download the Storytime Shortcut here.

📚Want to learn more about the book that the example reading is taken from?

👉 Learn more about What the Dickens?!?!: The Tale of a Rascally Pup here!

Distance doesn’t change your role.
It just asks for a different rhythm. 💜

Video

Why 5 Minutes of Virtual Storytime Means More Than an Hour on FaceTime

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👉 Grab your FREE guide The Storytime Shortcut! 5 Secrets to Have Your Grandkids Begging for More–Even Over Zoom! right here! And don’t forget to share this video with another grandparent who could use some fresh inspiration.

🎥 Video Transcript

INTRODUCTION

You know… if you’ve ever hung up a call with your grandchild and thought,
“Well… that didn’t go the way I hoped,”
Please know you are in great company!

To illustrate that point, I want to start with a quick personal story.

A PERSONAL STORY

The very first time I read The Three Billy Goats Gruff to my grandson, I was so excited.
It was my favorite story that my grandmother used to read to me, and I couldn’t wait to share it with him.

I had this picture in my head of him being completely drawn into the story.

And instead… it totally fell flat.

He was wiggly.
Distracted.
Not really interested at all.

And I remember thinking, Well… I really missed the mark there.

Now, please know he was two years old—and I had very high expectations.

But here’s what I didn’t know. I had planted a seed and it was growing.

When I went to visit for Thanksgiving a few months later, the very first story my grandson asked for was The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

And my son-in-law said,
“Oh yeah—he’s asked for that almost every night for the last three months.”

I had no idea.

I thought that moment didn’t matter.

But it did.

WHY STORYTIME WORKS

And this is what I want long-distance grandparents to know.

Connection isn’t always loud.
And it’s almost never immediate.

Young children don’t connect through conversation the way adults do.

They connect through repetition…
through familiarity…
through imagination.

And that’s why storytime works so beautifully—even when it feels small.

So, no matter how you feel about your storytime results (whether it’s virtual or in person)…
You are NOT doing anything wrong.

For most long-distance grandparents…we have this vision.
We want the call to mean something.
We want connection.
We want our grandchild to feel close—even from far away. And we want to feel that right away!

But real life steps in, and the call can feel rushed.
Or the child gets distracted.
Or the conversation just… doesn’t land.

And that can be really discouraging in the moment. But remember, you’re planting seeds, and they will grow.

HOW WE CONNECT

Here’s what I see happening.

As grandparents we think,
“If I just had more time…”
or
“If I could keep them talking longer…”
or
“If I could plan something better…”

But the truth is…young children don’t connect through conversation the way adults do.

Conversation takes focus.
It requires answering questions.
Staying on topic.

And that’s a lot to ask of a little one—especially on a screen.

What children do connect through… is imagination.

And that’s why storytime works so beautifully.

Storytime doesn’t ask them to perform.
They don’t have to answer questions.
They don’t have to sit still or say the “right” thing.

They can wiggle.
They can giggle.
They can listen quietly or jump in.

Storytime takes the pressure off everyone.

And that’s why—even when it’s short—it builds connection in a way long conversations often don’t.

Here’s the part I think can be surprising to most grandparents.

Five minutes of storytime…
read with warmth, consistency, and presence…can create more connection than an hour of trying to keep a conversation going.

Because it’s not about the length of the call.

It’s about how your grandchild feels during it.

And storytime creates a shared moment that feels safe, familiar, and comforting.

< STORY EXAMPLE >

There’s lots you can do, but honestly, that’s all that’s needed.

Nothing fancy.
Nothing over-planned.

But that kind of moment—especially when it happens again and again—sticks.

Your grandchild may not remember every word…
but they remember how storytime felt.

They remember you.

SOLUTION + CLOSING

If storytime has ever felt awkward…
or you’ve wondered if you’re doing enough…
or you’ve felt unsure about how to start or when to stop…

I want you to hear this:

You don’t need to do more.
You just need a simple rhythm.

I created a free guide called the Storytime Shortcut for long-distance grandparents.

It shows you:

• How to naturally hook their attention

• How to keep engagement during the story

• How to end in a way that makes your grandchild want more
  

If you’d like storytime to feel easier—and more meaningful—you can download it using the link below.

And if no one’s told you this lately…

What you’re doing matters.
Your presence matters.
And your grandchild feels it—even from far away.

Here's the link to the free resource: https://tammykersey.com/shortcut-landing