Virtual Grandma: A how-to guide on "virtually connecting" with little ones up to age five using FaceTime, Skype, and other apps. For grandparents, aunts, ... godparents, overseas military parents,

Culture and trends researcher Alison Hillhouse presents a fun new guide to using video-chat applications to become a “virtual grandma.” Whether you want to connect with your grandchildren or other little ones far away, Hillhouse will provide you with a wide range of virtual activities and other special ways to interact and engage.

Hillhouse structures her guide based on the age of your loved one. She provides tips on how to connect with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as each age group responds differently to virtual communication.

You don’t have to settle for a fuzzy phone connection. Virtual Grandma shows you ways to maintain and develop your relationships through virtual interaction:

connect over video chat with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers of different ages

tailor your communications to various child development stages

“spark” your relationship from thousands of miles away

creatively use cooking, music, and toys to keep the conversation engaging

Hillhouse was inspired by her mother, “Gaga,” to write this simple guide. She uses Gaga’s adventures in technology with grandson Charlie to share practical and tested ideas, also crowdsourcing from grandparents, aunts, and uncles across the country. Hillhouse helps you tailor your interactions to truly connect with the little ones in your life.