The Boss says I run a tight crew. But when Grandma sends a message, everybody stops. Even me. Especially me. Nobody argues with Grandma.
A grandparent video message for grandkids: be the favorite, from afar
A great grandparent video message for grandkids is short, uses their name, and tells them one real thing: a memory, a joke, a question to answer back. Twenty seconds to a minute is plenty. Your voice matters more than how the video looks.
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Grandkids grow up fast, and they often grow up far away. A grandparent video message is a small way to show up in their week: a hello, a silly story, a "proud of you," sent to a phone and watched on the sofa (several times, if you did it right). You do not need to be good with technology. You need a name, one thing to say, and the courage to hit send.
This guide is for grandparents, and for the parents who end up helping them. It covers what to say at each age, ideas that make kids reply, easy recording tips, and how to send it.
What should a grandparent say in a video message to grandkids?
Say their name, say one specific thing, and ask them something back. "Hi Mia! I heard you scored a goal. Was it with your left foot or your right?" works better than a general "Hope you're well." Kids love being asked questions, and a question turns a message into a conversation across the miles.
"Hello, my favorite grandson. Yes, you're my only grandson. That's why you're my favorite."
How should a message change with the grandchild's age?
| Age | What works | Example line |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers | Their name, sounds, a song, animals | "Hello, Lily! Grandpa's cow says moooo. What does your cow say?" |
| Ages 4 to 7 | Silly stories, questions, praise for small things | "I heard you learned to ride your bike. Can you teach me?" |
| Ages 8 to 12 | Jokes, "when your mom was your age" stories | "When your dad was nine, he tried to cut his own hair. Ask him about it." |
| Teens | Short, not cheesy, a real compliment | "No need to reply. Just wanted to say I'm proud of you. Also, call me." |
What are some good grandparent video message ideas?
Pick a format you can repeat. A regular little message is often more loved than one big production. Here are ideas that grandkids actually look forward to:
- Grandpa's Sunday story A tiny story every week, with the same opening line. Kids start waiting for it.
- When your parent was little One embarrassing but kind story about their mom or dad at the same age. Instant hit.
- The garden report "The tomatoes are this big now." Show the progress, ask them to guess the harvest.
- The joke of the week One terrible joke. Ask them to send a worse one back.
- Good luck messages Before a school play, a match, the first day of school. A short "you've got this" means the world.
- The recipe Your famous pancakes, one step at a time. Now they can make them with you, from far away.
- The birthday song Sing it. Off-key is traditional.
Short lines grandparents can copy
- "I saw a dog today that looked exactly like you. Well, a bit hairier."
- "Your mom says you lost a tooth. The tooth fairy is lucky to get it."
- "I'm keeping your drawing on my fridge. The fridge has never looked so good."
- "Guess what I'm baking. Wrong. It's your favorite. Come and get some."
- "I have a secret: when your dad was little, he was scared of ducks. Ask him."
- "Good luck tomorrow. Whatever happens, I'm your biggest fan."
- "Tell me one thing that made you laugh this week. I'll trade you one of mine."
How do you record a video message for grandchildren?
You can do it with just a phone. Find a quiet room, sit near a window, hold the phone close, and talk as if the grandchild were sitting across the table. Do not worry about mistakes. A little laugh and "let me start again" is charming. Here is a simple routine:
- Step 1
Write three lines on a card. Hello and their name, the one thing, the question.
- Step 2
Find the quiet. Turn off the radio and the kettle. Tell the dog.
- Step 3
Record, then listen once. If you can hear yourself clearly, it is good enough.
- Step 4
Send it where the family already talks. WhatsApp, a text, or email. Ask the parents which one they check.
- Step 5
Wait for the reply. It might be a video of a toddler shouting your name. Worth everything.
Can grandparents send a cartoon instead of a camera video?
Yes, and it is a nice option if you would rather not be on camera, or want something extra special for a birthday. A short drawn film with your words or your voice feels like a little present. It also keeps things simple: no need to find good lighting or wear your best cardigan.
Making a grandparent message in Nine
Nine makes short drawn films with a voice, music and sound effects. For grandparents, the lovely way in is A voice recording: record yourself telling the little story or the birthday wish, and the film runs as long as you talk, with your voice as its sound, while the pictures are drawn around it. Prefer typing? Put your three lines in A script, and each paragraph becomes a scene.
If something is not right, you just say it in plain words, like "make it slower" or "more birthday balloons." You get a video file you can send by WhatsApp, text or email yourself; Nine never sends anything to anyone. Films run up to 20 seconds on Film ($29 a month). No photos of the grandkids are needed. See pricing.
More ideas: a birthday video for someone far away, recording your voice reading a story, how to send a video card by text, and what to say in a birthday video.
Questions people ask
How long should a grandparent video message be?
Around 20 seconds to one minute. Short messages get watched all the way through, and often more than once. If you have a longer story, split it into parts and send one each week. That gives the grandkids something to look forward to and gives you a reason to send another.
What if I'm not good with technology?
You only need three things: a phone, a quiet room and something to say. Ask a grandchild or their parent to show you once how to record and send. Most kids are thrilled to be the teacher. After the first message, it gets much easier.
How often should grandparents send video messages?
Whatever feels natural. A little message once a week or on special days works well for many families. Regular and short beats rare and long. Ask the parents what fits their routine, so the messages arrive at a time when the kids can actually watch.
What's a good video message for a grandchild's birthday?
Can grandparents make a video message for a baby?
Yes. Babies love familiar voices, songs and faces, even if they will not remember the words. The message is also a keepsake for later. Keep it short and gentle, and sing the same song each time so it becomes their song with you.
Your idea, ready to go“A sweet 20-second film from Grandpa Joe to his grandkids Max and Ivy: I planted your sunflowers, and they're taller than me now.”
Make this filmSign up takes a minute. The idea is filled in, and you can change every word.
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