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Most of us have fond memories of our grandparents. There is usually a smell, special treat or even a saying that evokes fond memories. However, times have changed. The family unit of today is not the same as a generation ago. Nuclear family structures, divorce and disharmony between parents, have resulted in grandparents seeing very little of their grandchildren.

So, what happens when parents get divorced? What happens to the close relationship that grandparents share with their grandchildren during this process? How do you deal with seeing very little of your grandchild?

Here are some guidelines
When your children are getting divorced or are already divorced, avoid entering any battles. Don`t take sides. It will only complicate matters and may lead to resentment from one of the parents, which may damage your relationship with your grandchildren.

If one of the parents refuses to let you continue your relationship with your grandchildren, you can resort to legal action and obtain visitation rights.

If your grandchild gains a new parent and grandparents, go out of your way to make arrangements so that you can still see your grandchildren. Don`t let personal issues prevent you from keeping your bond with your grandchildren. Always remember that the continuation of a relationship with biological family is very important to children.

If your children live overseas, embrace technology! Don`t let your computer illiteracy be an excuse for not communicating regularly.

Learn how to send e-mails and chat on-line. Also, consider investing in a video camera for videoconferencing. Nowadays, you can have a videoconference through your Internet connection, which means that you can talk to and see a person who is overseas at the cost of a local phone call!

Although our society has changed a lot, there is still place for traditional values such as honesty, hard work and integrity.

Especially today, children are in need of these values. Your grandchildren may dress weird or talk strange but when it comes to their grandparents, they need to have that special bond. Be a modern grandparent. Remember, to keep in touch with your grandchildren.

Thanks to sophisticated communication, distance is hardly a constraint when it comes to `connecting` with your grandchildren. Remember, your grandchildren still need that `emotional security` that only you can provide.