How To Bond With Granddaughter Over Distance?

by Anne
(indiana)

Question: How can I bond with my new grandchild despite living far away?

I will be visiting my granddaughter for the first time when she is four months old. I would like to know of a nonallergic scent that I (grandmother) can send ahead of time to my granddaughter so that when I visit her it may seem familiar.

Or do you have any other tips on how I can prepare my little granddaughter, so that I won't be a complete stranger for her when we meet?

Thanks for your help.

Baby Help Line:

Tips For Long Distance Bonding With Baby

What an interesting question! Actually I would not bother sending scent ahead of you, as scent out of a bottle, whether an essential oil or manufactured perfume, will smell totally different when reacting with your body's pheromones, so your granddaughter would not recognize it as you. Some babies also scream if anyone wearing perfume try to pick them up, so your granddaughter may not like perfumes either!

You could send a pillow case that you have used for a week! Another thing you could do is send a recording of you singing and talking to her so your voice is familiar.

But the bottom line is, you both will need to bond, and that happens the quickest with body contact. And yes, that is partly smell but also the sound of your voice, the energy you give off, and the interacting with her. I am sure when you get there the thing you will most want to do is to cuddle your granddaughter so that will happen automatically. Making eye contact, talking and smiling with her will soon engage her attention.

Although I was there when she was born, my granddaughter lives on the other side of the world, and I would love to be able to cuddle her! So assuming you will be living a distance apart from your grand-daughter then finding ways to maintain that bond is important for you both.

We use Skype video, and I am recording stories read to her and sending the cd and the books.

I hope you have a wonderful time getting to know your little granddaughter, little ones are so delicious and grand parenting is even more fun than parenting!

Wishing you Joy,
Annie Desantis

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How To Bond With Granddaughter Over Distance?

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Feb 05, 2009

Thanks for great tips!
by: anne

Thank you so much for your help. We do use skype but your idea of recording on a CD is great. I'm sure all will be fine, but I was recalling experiences with a couple of neices who would have nothing to do with anyone but their moms. And, I only have one week. What a great site. a

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