Moving far from grandparents brings real change, especially for children who rely on that bond. You may find high quality childcare, but it cannot replace a loving grandparent's attention. The emotional shift can be hard for both generations. Still, there are ways to keep intergenerational connections strong after moving far away. Parents can stay active in making those bonds last, even across long distances.

Talk About the Move and What It Means
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Children often sense changes before they understand them. That’s why it helps to explain the move with clarity and calm. Talk about what will change, what will stay the same, and how they can stay close to family.

Avoid vague promises. Instead, give specific examples—“You’ll still talk to Grandma every Sunday after lunch”—to ease fears. This type of honest reassurance grounds your child and helps them feel safe. Grandparents may also need support. Help them understand their role is still important, even from far away.

Try To Make The Move Itself As Easy As Possible

Moving often brings stress to the entire family. The process becomes even harder when emotions run high. Children may feel confused or overwhelmed. You can ease that burden with the right steps—and keep the family bond steady along the way.

Relocating with the little ones requires more than choosing the right moving company. Children need structure, reassurance, and meaningful ways to stay connected to their support system. Giving them small tasks, like packing a “grandparent box” with photos or drawings, offers comfort and purpose. When moving long distances with kids, don’t wait to rebuild routines. Set up goodbye calls before leaving. 

Then, follow up with welcome chats once you arrive. These early moments matter. They show your child that some things—like love from grandparents—stay constant. Even a simple countdown to the next visit helps. When children look forward to seeing loved ones again, the emotional gap feels smaller.

Keep Intergenerational Connections Strong After Moving Far Away

Building bonds across miles takes intention. Don’t wait for the connection to happen on its own. Plan for it. Even if your schedule feels full, make time for grandparent contact as part of your weekly rhythm.
Video chats can turn into shared bedtime stories. Messages can include short videos or photos from your child’s day. A five-minute call before dinner might become your child’s favorite part of the day.

Here are a few simple ideas that help create consistency:

• Choose one weekday to send a picture or short voice message to grandparents
• Let grandparents “attend” a school project presentation via a live call
• Create a bedtime story chain where each person tells one line and passes it on

Even small interactions help keep intergenerational connections strong after moving far away. What matters most is that they happen regularly.

Use Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch

Screens can connect families in incredible ways. Still, not all tech use feels meaningful. Keep the focus on interactive moments that engage both sides of the relationship.

For example, let your child teach grandparents how to play a simple online game. Or ask grandparents to show your child how they cook a favorite recipe. These shared activities bring joy and strengthen the relationship.
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At the same time, remember to balance screen time. Set limits so that these digital connections remain positive, not passive. Use screens to spark conversation, not to avoid it.

Create Shared Rituals that Bridge the Gap

Rituals offer comfort and connection. Without a shared space, families need shared habits. These don’t have to be grand or complex.

You can start a tradition of mailing postcards with drawings or starting a long-distance book club. Let your child pick a bedtime book and send a copy to Grandma to read along. Repetition builds emotional security. Over time, these rituals become anchors that tie generations together.

Be Aware Of Behavior Changes After a Move

Many changes in behavior often appear after a big move. Some children withdraw. Others act out. You might notice sleep changes or clinginess. These reactions are normal. But they signal that your child feels off balance. Grandparents can play a stabilizing role here.

When children feel overwhelmed, talking to a familiar adult outside the home helps. Set up a weekly check-in with grandparents. Even a short call can offer emotional comfort. Invite grandparents to send voice notes or share stories from when they were the same age. That link to the past gives your child a sense of continuity during change.

Watch for shifts in behavior. Then lean into connection, not correction. This approach helps children adjust without losing the support they’ve always known.

Make the Grandparent Bond a Priority, Not a Perk

Some families treat grandparent time as a bonus. Shift that mindset. Instead, treat it as essential. Children thrive when they know they matter to people outside the immediate home. Plan contact into your week. Make space for it just like you would for school, meals, or errands. Avoid treating grandparent calls as a backup activity when everything else is done.

Let your child help choose the timing. This gives them control and boosts their excitement. A consistent schedule strengthens the bond and shows your child that these connections matter. Set reminders. Mark birthdays, anniversaries, and special events on a shared calendar. Include grandparents in celebrations, even through a screen. These simple acts show love and respect.

Involve Grandparents in Everyday Life, Remotely

Even from a distance, grandparents can still play a daily role. Ask for their input in decisions and routines. Your child will notice and feel supported.

Start small. Let your child call their grandparent to show off a craft project. Send voice messages when a loose tooth falls out. Invite grandparents to watch online recitals or sports games. Parents often focus on major updates. Try to include the small moments, too. Those often create the deepest sense of closeness.
Encourage grandparents to share their own routines. If they feed the birds every morning, let your child watch. If they go on walks, ask them to describe what they see.

Remember That Love Has No Distance

​Moving away from grandparents changes many things, but it doesn’t have to break the bond. Stay active in creating shared experiences. Include grandparents in everyday moments. Build habits that remind your child they’re still part of a larger, loving family. Even from miles away, you can keep intergenerational connections strong after moving far away. That connection is worth every effort.

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Navigating Child Care Assistance in Minnesota: Funding and Scholarships for Early Childhood Education
Minnesota offers a robust array of financial assistance programs to support families in accessing high-quality early childhood education and care. These programs are designed to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that children receive the early learning experiences crucial for their development. Below is an overview of key funding sources and scholarship opportunities available to Minnesota families.

1. Early Learning Scholarships Administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, Early Learning Scholarships aim to increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for children from birth to age 4 with the highest needs. These scholarships can be used at Parent Aware-rated programs, which are recognized for their quality standards. (Greater Twin Cities United Way, Minnesota Department of Education)
There are two types of scholarships:

• Pathway I Scholarships: Awarded directly to eligible families, allowing them to choose any Parent Aware-rated program. These scholarships "follow the child" and can be renewed annually as long as the child remains age-eligible.(Minnesota Department of Education)
• Pathway II Scholarships: Allocated to specific early childhood programs, such as Head Start or school district pre-kindergarten programs, which then distribute the scholarships to families. These scholarships are tied to the program and do not transfer if the child changes programs.(Minnesota Department of Education, Avada Template)

Priority for scholarships is given to children who are in foster care, in need of child protective services, experiencing homelessness, or children of teen parents. Starting July 1, 2024, the maximum award amounts will vary based on factors such as the child's age, program type, county location, and Parent Aware participation status. (Minnesota Department of Education)

2. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) The CCAP helps families pay for child care so that parents can work, look for work, or attend school. Eligibility is based on income and family size, and families must use legal child care providers. There may be a waiting list for assistance in some counties. Families may have to pay a copayment based on their income and the number of people in their family. (Parent Aware)

3. Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program This program provides financial assistance to low-income students who have young children and are pursuing postsecondary education. Eligible students must be Minnesota residents, enrolled in at least one credit per term, and not receiving assistance from the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). The grant helps cover child care expenses while the student attends classes. (Office of Higher Education)

4. Child Care Services Grants Offered through Child Care Aware of Minnesota, these grants provide funds to child care programs to help cover the cost of supplies, equipment, technology, and training. While these grants are awarded to providers rather than directly to families, they can enhance the quality and availability of child care services in the community. (Child Care Aware MN)

5. Head Start and Early Head Start Programs Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that promote school readiness for children from birth to age five from low-income families. These programs provide comprehensive services, including early learning, health, nutrition, and parent involvement. Eligibility is primarily based on family income, and services are provided at no cost to families. (MN Dept of Children and Families, Wikipedia)

6. Additional Resources

• Parent Aware: A resource to help families find quality child care and early education programs. Parent Aware-rated programs have demonstrated a commitment to offering high-quality care and education. (Parent Aware, Minnesota Department of Education)
• Think Small: An organization that administers Pathway I Early Learning Scholarships in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. They provide resources and support to families seeking quality child care. (Think Small)
• Families First of Minnesota: Provides information and assistance with Early Learning Scholarships in various counties. They also offer other services to support families and child care providers.

Navigating child care options and financial assistance programs can be complex, but Minnesota offers a range of resources to support families in accessing quality early childhood education. By leveraging these programs, parents can find affordable, high-quality care that meets their children's developmental needs.

The Compass Billing Department are well versed in these programs and would be happy to assist you with questions. [email protected]

For more detailed information and assistance, families are encouraged to contact their local county human services office, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's website, or reach out to organizations like Parent Aware, Think Small, or Families First of Minnesota.