Why the Grandkids Don’t Visit (and How a Little Tech Can Fix It)

There was a time when a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa’s was pure magic — homemade cookies, backyard adventures, and stories that stretched past bedtime. Today, many grandparents find themselves wondering why the grandkids don’t want to visit anymore.

The truth is, it’s not personal — it’s generational. Kids are growing up in a world where fun happens on a screen, attention moves fast, and silence feels uncomfortable. A quiet home, no Wi-Fi password in sight, and a cable TV remote that looks like it’s from another century can make visiting feel like stepping into another planet.

But here’s the good news — connection doesn’t have to fade. It just needs a small upgrade.

A few ideas to bring back the magic:

• Share your photos the modern way. Use a shared iCloud album so the grandkids can see your latest adventures — whether that’s a walk at the beach, your garden, or the new puppy.

• Ask them to show you something. Kids light up when they get to be the teacher. Let them show you how to use a new app or feature. You’ll connect andlearn something new.

• Make memories with FaceTime. Even if they can’t come over, a quick video call to say “hi” keeps the relationship alive. Try reading a bedtime story over FaceTime once in a while.

• Get playful. Apple Arcade or simple iPad games you can play together can turn tech into bonding time.

The key is meeting them halfway — bringing a little bit of their world into yours and inviting them into yours in return. Once they see that Grandma and Grandpa are just as curious, connected, and fun as anyone else, those visits start to feel special again.

At Michael Coury Tech, I help people over 55 use Apple technology to make life easier, more connected, and more joyful — especially when it comes to family.