One of the biggest joys of having grandchildren is seeing their faces light up and hearing their voices. But if they live far away, those moments can feel few and far between. Video calling changes that. You can see them almost every day, watch them grow, and be part of their lives in a real way.
The good news is that video calling is easier than ever. Whether it's FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet, the steps are simple. Once you know how, you can connect with your grandchildren anytime — from your phone, tablet, or computer. This lesson shows you exactly how.
Before we start, let's make sure you have what you need. You need a device — a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You need internet connection (WiFi is fine). You need a camera and microphone — most phones, tablets, and computers have these built in. And you need the other person to also have a device and internet.
Tip
You don't need to buy anything new. Most devices come with everything you need. If your device has a camera and microphone already, you're ready to go.
FaceTime is built into iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. If you have an Apple device and your grandchildren also use Apple devices, FaceTime is the easiest option.
Here's how to start a FaceTime call: Open the FaceTime app on your device. Tap the plus sign button to start a new call. Type in your grandchild's phone number or their name (if they're in your contacts). Tap the video icon. They'll get a notification and can accept the call. Once they tap Accept, you'll see their face on your screen.
That's it. You're now face to face, even if they're thousands of miles away.
Google Meet works on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers. If your family uses different devices, Google Meet is a great choice because everyone can use it.
Here's how to get started: Open your web browser and go to meet.google.com. Click the Start a meeting button. You'll see a meeting link — something like meet.google.com/abc-defg-hij. Copy that link and send it to your grandchild (by email, text, or however you usually contact them). When they open the link, they can join. You'll see them on your screen.
Tip
You don't need to download an app if you're on a computer. Google Meet works right in your web browser.
Zoom is popular because it's easy and works on any device. It's especially good if you want to call multiple grandchildren at once.
Here's how to start: Go to zoom.us and sign up for a free account. Click Start a Meeting. Zoom will open and generate a meeting ID — a unique number. Share that number with your grandchildren. They can join by opening Zoom and entering the meeting ID.
Try It Yourself
Ask your grandchild or adult child to help you set up one video call this week. Start with whichever app they already use. The first call might feel awkward, but by the second or third, it will feel completely natural. Try having a regular time each week — Saturday morning, for example — so they know when to expect your call.
Good lighting helps. Try to have light coming toward your face, not from behind you (that makes you look dark). Hold the device at eye level, not looking down at it. Find a quiet place if possible, so they can hear you clearly. Smile and look at the camera so it feels natural.
It's okay if the connection sometimes pauses or freezes. That happens to everyone. Just say, "Can you hear me okay?" and keep going. If it gets too choppy, hang up and try again.
The best video calls feel like a normal conversation. Ask about their day, their school, their friends, what they're excited about. Tell them stories about your day. Show them what you're working on — the garden, a puzzle, a recipe. Let the conversation happen naturally, just like it would in person.
Video calling isn't a replacement for in-person visits, but it's the next best thing. It keeps you connected, lets you be part of the big and small moments, and helps your grandchildren know that you care.
In this module, you learned what you need for video calling, how to use FaceTime, Google Meet, and Zoom, how to set up your first call, tips for good video quality, and how to have a natural conversation on camera.
In the next module, we'll show you how to organize and share photos with your family — so you can create lasting memories together.