How to Strengthen Your Bond with Your Aging Grandmother in Just One Week

As a busy woman, life can sometimes make it feel difficult to maintain meaningful connections with the people who matter most. One of those people might be your grandmother. You may feel guilty for not having enough time to spend with her or wonder how to connect more deeply when your schedule is packed. The good news is, strengthening your bond with your aging grandmother doesn’t require a lot of time—it just takes intention and small, thoughtful actions. In just one week, you can build a stronger connection. Here's how.

Step 1: Reach Out with a Heartfelt Message

Kickstart the week by sending your grandmother a heartfelt message. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a simple text, or a quick phone call, let her know you’re thinking about her. Share a few warm words of gratitude for her presence in your life and express how much she means to you. This small gesture sets a positive tone and opens the door for deeper communication throughout the week. I recommend sending her a little handwritten note. Taking the time to do this always makes a big influence on grandma.

Step 2: Ask About Her Past

Grandmothers often have a treasure trove of stories to share and asking about her past is an excellent way to learn more about her and connect on a personal level. Take a few minutes during your next conversation to ask her about her childhood, her favorite memories, or her life experiences. You may be surprised by how much you can learn, and it will also give her a chance to feel valued and heard. At Tulip & Glenna, we send our email list a new interview question each month to ask your grandmother to get to know her on a deeper level. If you’re looking for help with what to ask, click here to sign-up for our list.

Step 3: Share Something Personal

Connection is a two-way street. After hearing about her life, share something personal about yourself. Whether it’s a recent milestone, a new challenge you're facing, or a funny story from work, showing your grandmother that you're willing to open up creates a space for mutual exchange. This vulnerability can bring you closer together and give her a glimpse into your life. Chances are that grandma is really proud of you and hearing about your life will make her feel an extra level of connection with you.

Step 4: Send a Thoughtful Gift

Even if you don’t have time for a long visit, sending a small, thoughtful gift can speak volumes. Consider sending her a pair of fuzzy socks, a framed family photo, or an activity that she can do. It doesn’t need to be extravagant—what matters is that it’s personal and meaningful to her. A gesture like this shows that you’re thinking of her and will brighten her day, even in the midst of your busy schedule. Sending her flowers is always an option too. We offer a monthly flower subscription service where we send your grandmother flowers each month, from you to her, by sourcing local florists. You can click here to join our waitlist.

Step 5: Schedule Quality Time Together

It’s easy to let time slip away, but scheduling time for your grandmother, even if it's just a quick virtual visit, can make a world of difference. Whether you plan a phone call, a video chat, or even a brief in-person visit, make it a priority. Add it to your calendar. During this time, focus on truly engaging with her—ask her about her day, listen to her stories, and share your own experiences. Quality matters more than quantity, so even a short interaction can be meaningful.

Step 6: Express Your Appreciation

Take a moment to tell your grandmother how much you appreciate her. It could be through a phone call, an email, or a handwritten note. Expressing gratitude for her love, wisdom, and the role she plays in your life is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to strengthen your relationship. Your words will make her feel cherished and help reinforce your connection.

Step 7: Plan for Future Connection

As your week comes to a close, think about how you can maintain and deepen your bond in the months to come. Busy schedules may make it challenging, but you can still create small, consistent moments of connection. Perhaps you can schedule regular check-ins, surprise her every few months, or set aside time for a weekly phone call. Planning ahead ensures that your relationship continues to grow stronger, even amidst your busy professional life. If you’re looking for additional ways to connect with grandma, download our list of 52 Thoughtful Ways to Show Grandma that You Love Her. We’ve listed one thing you can do each week of the year to grow closer through thoughtful, easy, acts.  

Final Thoughts

Strengthening the bond with your aging grandmother doesn’t require grand gestures or hours of free time—it just takes small, consistent efforts to show her that you care. In just one week, you can take meaningful steps to deepen your connection, and with a little planning, you can continue to nurture your relationship for years to come. The effort is worth it, and your grandmother will surely appreciate every moment.