Play with the grandkids remotely
If you don’t get to see your grandkids nearly enough for your liking, the Grandparent Games site might just be the solution to your problem.
It’s kind of like Skype with a gaming and educational bent — using video and audio, you interact with the grandkids (or your kids if you are a dad or mum who needs to spend time away from home) while playing learning games.
Both parties don’t need to have a Webcam — it’s obviously preferable, but not essential — but will need a microphone (although you can talk over the phone while you play at a pinch if you don’t have a microphone).
You will also need to set up a free account to use the service. Kids don’t need a separate account; you just need one set up in your name and they enter your email address to connect with you.
The site has maths, reading games and more for all ages, from toddlers to primary-aged kids, and the idea if for those games to stimulate dialogue between adult and child as they play them together.
There’s also an iPhone and iPod touch app so you can stay in touch with the grandkids through play when you’re on the go.
Gail Lipscombe has worked for some of Australia's hottest tech magazines for over 10 years. In her blog, she focuses on demystifying technology, gadgets and the web for average consumers.