Introduction

Have you ever been on a video call with your grandchild… and you can feel their attention starting to drift?

They’re looking around.
Getting distracted.
And suddenly you’re wondering how to pull them back in.

In this week’s video, I’m sharing a few simple things that can completely change the energy of your calls—from fun ways to START the conversation differently to easy ideas that help reconnect when you feel them losing interest.

Because sometimes, staying connected as a long-distance grandparent isn’t about doing more…
It’s about doing things a little differently.

✨ In this video:
• Fun call starters that instantly grab attention
• Simple “mid-call rescue” ideas
• Easy ways to create more laughter and connection
• Tiny moments that help your grandchild feel close to you—even from far away

🎁 Want more ideas like these? Grab my free resource,
7 Tiny Moment Surprises: Make Your Grandkids Light Up Even from a Distance. You can find it here at https://tammykersey.com/7-moments-landing

If this video resonates with you, I’d love for you to subscribe and join me here each week for more intentionally different grandparenting ideas for long-distance families.

New here? I’m Tammy — a children’s picture book author and virtual Grammy sharing what I’m learning about storytime, connection, and long-distance grandparenting. I hope you’ll connect with me!

Video

When Your Grandchild Starts Losing Interest on Video Calls… Try This

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7 Tiny Moment Surprises: Make Your Grandkids Light Up Even from a Distance. These tiny moments may seem simple...but they just may be the ones your grandchild remembers most. Because connection isn't built all at once—it's built in these small, meaningful touch points over time.

👉 Find the FREE RESOURCE here!

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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

If you’re a long-distance grandparent…
you’ve probably had this moment.

You’re on a video call…
and you can feel it.

They’re looking away…
getting distracted…
and you’re thinking…
“Oh no… I’m losing them.”

It can feel so disappointing and that disappointment works against you, bringing your energy and engagement level down and then…you’ve lost them.

But here’s what I’ve learned—don’t give in to your feelings of disappointment when they creep in…
it’s not that they don’t want to connect…
it’s just that we sometimes need a different way to start…
and/ or a different way to keep it going.

PART 1: START THE CALL DIFFERENTLY

IDEA #1: SAY THE WRONG THING FIRST

So here’s something simple you can try right away.

When your next video call starts…
don’t say hello.

Instead look a little confused and say something like: “Wait… is this the zoo? I thought I was calling the monkeys.”

Just pause, keep that look of confusion on your face and watch their reaction.

That tiny moment almost always turns into a smile, a laugh, or some other form of engagement

And just like that—
you’ve got their attention.

IDEA #2: YOU'RE IN CHARGE

Another one I love—especially if you know they’re easily distracted on calls—

Start the call with:
“I really need your help today…could you be in charge of the call this time?.”

And then let them decide:
What you do
What you say
What happens next

Because when they feel like they’re leading…
they stay engaged a whole lot longer.

PART 2: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE LOSING THEM

But even with the best start…
sometimes you still feel them drifting.

Here are a couple of easy ways to pull them back in.

IDEA #3: MYSTERY MISSION

They start to be fidgety…staring away from the camera…you can say:
“Wait—I have a secret mission for you.”

And then give them something simple:
Find something red
Find something silly
Find something that makes you laugh

Now they’re moving…
they have a purpose…and you’re able to engage with them over whatever they brought back to show you…
and suddenly the call feels fun again.

IDEA #4: TEACH ME SOMETHING

And this one works almost every time.

Say:
“Can you teach me how to do something?”

It could be:
A game they love
Something they built
A dance move
Anything they’re excited about

Because kids love being the expert.

And when they’re teaching you…
they’re completely engaged.

CLOSING

So here’s what I’ve come to believe—

As long-distance grandparents…
it’s not about doing more.

It’s about doing things just a little differently.

Creating these tiny moments
can completely change how connected they feel to you.

If you want more simple ideas like this—
ones you can use right away—

I’ve put together something for you:

7 Tiny Moment Surprises: Make Your Grandkids Light Up Even from a Distance

You can grab it using the link below—
and try one of them this week.

And if you’re a long-distance grandparent
who wants to feel more connected…
more present…
and yes—even a little more fun—

you’re in the right place.

Subscribe for more ideas like this each week.

And remember…don’t let a down moment get you down.
Even if we (and we will) lose their attention.

We just need a different way to find it again.

See you next week with more fun ideas…subscribe now so you don’t miss any!

If this video has been helpful or has resonated with you, please like and subscribe…let me know you’re watching, and I hope to see you on the channel!

Here's the link to the free resource: https://tammykersey.com/7-moments-landing

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