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Why and how to Skype your grandchildren
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Friends and family meet a new grandbaby via Skype
My husband and I were at a party last night with many other grandparents in attendance. After oohing and ahhing over each others’ pictures and admiring the real live grandkids who were there, the talk turned to connecting with grandchildren who are far away. Skype, the P2P VOIP, is all the rage. What? You say that fancy acronym talk turns you off? That was just to get your attention; it stands for person-to-person voice over internet protocol and it is important to you because it means you can see and hear your grandchild in real time as easy as pie!
We are particularly fond of Skype because on one very special day we were visiting on line with our daughter and husband. They said they wanted to share something with us. They dramatically opened an envelope and extracted a piece of paper then turned it to the screen so we could read it. It said, “You are going to be grandparents!”!The note was exciting, but now, months later, seeing the real baby is amazingly wonderful and helps us feel connected even though they are on the other side of the country.
Meanwhile, back at the party, Mary Ellen and Paul shared their experiences. One day Mary Ellen was Skypeing her daughter when the grandkids came into the room. The littlest fellow immediately shouted “Mimi!” That one word had the power to melt Mary Ellen’s heart because it proved to her that her grandson knew her and remembered her. That is the power of Skype. Since then she and Paul have had a personal ballet performance, complete with costumes, and they got front row seats when the first tooth came out. Friends and family members can also get to know your grandkids if you invite them over and Skype the kiddos. Everyone can get in on the action old to young.
Just think, whether the little ones are across town or across the world, you can be the one to read their bedtime story via Skype. Do you need any more good news? Well, I have some for you: it’s easy and it’s free.
All you need is a computer with a built in camera or a clip on camera. My husband actually prefers the clip on one because it is more versatile. These can be purchased at any computer or big box store such as Best Buy, located in Hotel Circle or on the west side. I prefer the built in because it is so quick and easy.
By now you are probably itching to get Skype going at your house. Here is your homework for the day: read the quick step-by-step directions on Laptop Magazine, download Skype, visit your grandkids and send me your favorite Skype experience for a future column. Your heart will sing.
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