How can I make my DC fall in love with their grandmother?

[instantfamily]

My DCs have a lovely grandmother, my MIL, who dotes on them and would flip over backward for them, not to mention play with them, cook for them, take them outside, read stories, etc. We live overseas and she only gets to see them once or twice a year but then for longer periods.
As I had a lovely relationship with my grandparents, it breaks my heart when I feel that my DC, now 2.5 years old, don't rush to her and cuddle her all day long, not to mention that I don't get so much of a break. What do I need to do? Wait and see?

Import grannie to come and live with you?

Do you have a webcam? Chatting over the webcam might help them get to know her better, and be more able to recognise her when they see her.

Lots of photographs in a special album just for the children - look at it often and remind them of your MIL.

Get them to paint pictures which you can post to her - make a big thing about buying the stamps, kissing the envelope maybe, posting the letter for Grandma. Talk about her often, reminding them of things they have done together or talking about things they might do together next time they see her. Ask what they think she might be doing where she is, talk about what time of day it is.

Don't just wait and see. They can have that lovely relationship you want, but you have to work at it. When they're a bit older they will remember more about her but for now you've got to do all the reminding.

My grandad lived in Poland and I only saw him every few years but I looovvvveddd him so much, I'm sure yours will too as you are thinking about it!
kids seem to have a sense for who loves them and who is important to them.

wigwambam has given loads of fab ideas!

thanks for that.

I love her dearly but live with us? maybe not for now.

We do webcam and phonecalls but I feel that often they are not so interested in interacting with her. I guess I will see if they feel closer to her at upcoming christmas visit.

My PIL only live in Chester but I had the saem concerns especially as my parents just live up the road.

My MIL made a loveley present for my dd of a book she had made [nothing tricky, just some sheets in a clear document wallet] mtelling the story of when we all went to the zoo. There are clear photos of Granny, Grandad, Emily, Mummy and Daddy and all the animals. We read it to her often pointing at the pictures and we hope to make more.

I had 2 Grandmas. One that lived close and one we only saw a few times a year. I honestly loved them both the same amount! One was our abysit Grandma [whoI am still so very close to] and my mum's mum was our 'stay away with' Grandma. She has been dead 17 years and I still miss her terribly so I reckon despite the difference she meant lots too me.

ALso my dd loves talking on the phone with Granny 'stay away' and Grandad... SHe's only 19months and desn;t really say words but Granny is thrilled and DD loves to on the phone with Granny

Your MIL is a lucky grannie! I really hope my DIL feels like that about me.

I think children need to spend time with someone to make them real to them, so it's good she's coming for a Christmas visit.

Great ideas from MumbleCrumble and WigWamBam.

The lovely thing about kids is that whatever time you put in to being with them, really talking to them and interacting, the rewards are amazing - and it doesn't matter what age they are when it's done.

Good luck!

Oops, just seen the date of your message.

How did the Christmas visit go? Any update?

Just to add. Happens with all kids at some point, this slow to go to anyone. Even if they see Granny every week. Its just a stage. Don't worry.