8 Creative Ways to Stay Connected Across Generations Without Relying on Technology

By Jolene Nannette

Maintaining connections with family members across different generations can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, particularly when distance separates you. Especially in this age of technology. And even though it seems harder and harder to explain to younger generations how the older generations of their family have so much wisdom to contribute. However, with thoughtful organization and creativity, you can foster meaningful relationships without relying on technology, which helps bridge the gap.

Create a Family Calendar

Start by establishing a calendar that includes important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family events. Each family member can contribute their significant dates, ensuring that everyone feels included and acknowledged. A fun aspect of the printed calendar is the addition of family photos and memories. By marking these occasions, you can plan your outreach in advance, ensuring that you reach out with a card or a handwritten letter. This proactive approach helps everyone anticipate and cherish these moments.

Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Set aside a specific time each month for regular check-ins with different family members. You might dedicate one weekend to writing letters or postcards. Use this time to reflect on shared memories, share life updates, tell a funny story about something you’ve experienced that month, or simply express your love and appreciation. Organizing these sessions into your schedule will create a routine that everyone can look forward to.

Plan Family Visits

While technology can facilitate virtual visits, in-person gatherings are invaluable. Organize family visits by coordinating with different family members. You can create a rotating schedule where each family unit hosts a get-together. If this is not feasible, incorporate extended family visits into existing plans, should logistics work out. Even if it seems difficult to “fit in”, it will always strengthen family ties and build memories.

Engage in Shared Activities.

If you’re fortunate enough to live close to extended family, find common interests that span generations, such as gardening, cooking, or crafting. If you live far apart, a fun idea is to organize activity days where you can send each family member a “family kit” containing materials needed for the activity, like seeds for planting or ingredients for a traditional recipe. Set a date to work on the activity, and start a text string or encourage everyone to take pictures as you participate in the activity.

Celebrate Family Traditions

Revive or create family traditions that can be celebrated regardless of distance. These could include sending holiday cards, sharing recipes for a family feast, or crafting a family album that everyone contributes to over time. Start a group text where you share how you are celebrating this family tradition, including pictures. If you have family that does not have access to technology, make a point to print some of the pictures and send them via mail.

Write Letters and Send Care Packages

Nothing beats the personal touch of a handwritten letter, and it’s a lost art. It really doesn’t take much time to write a letter, yet it’s a practice that has been cast aside in favor of text or email. Share stories, updates, or even just a few lines about your day. You might also consider sending care packages with homemade treats or small gifts that reflect your family’s heritage or shared interests.

Plan a “Help Out” Day for Older Family Members

This may be planned far out in the future, or last minute if you find a free Saturday. But making time to spend the day with older family members and help them with all the things that have become more challenging will be rewarding for everyone. Show up with the mindset that you are there to help and embrace the time you get to spend with aging family members. Let them make you dinner. Listen to their stories. That time spent will likely make it into the family calendar the next year.

Plan for Future Gatherings

Discuss potential future gatherings during family conversations. This could be a family reunion or a casual get-together. Involve everyone in the planning. Successful family get-togethers start with shared expectations. Designate (or observe and point out) someone to be the instigator for these events; otherwise, they are not likely to happen!

Connecting with multigenerational family members across distances requires intention, thoughtful planning, and creativity. By organizing your time effectively, you can foster meaningful relationships without technology. You can even show your kids how to write a decent letter. Remember to enjoy the process of connecting with your family, and that every effort counts in nurturing these invaluable relationships.

By Jolene Nannette

Home by Jolene

Jolene Nannette is a specialist in home efficiency, tackling to-do lists and calming the chaos through home organization. www.homebyjolene.com