In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the wider world. While some might think that social media is primarily for the younger generation, it’s important to remember that age should never be a barrier to embracing new technology. Snapchat, a popular multimedia messaging app, may seem like it’s mainly designed for teenagers and young adults, but it offers numerous benefits for grandparents as well. In this blog post, we’ll explore three compelling reasons why every grandparent over 50 should be using Snapchat.

But first, would you like to hear a bit of my own Snapchat story?

My Own Snapchat Story

My oldest daughter frequently reminds me of the many times I spoke these words:

Cell phones are the d-e-v-i-l.

When we were raising her and her precious, innocent, highly-influenced-by-her-actions younger brother and sister, the world was going crazy over new handheld phones that fit inside a small purse and acted as a computer on the go.

The upside was marvelous. We never needed to worry that our kids couldn’t reach us if they were in trouble or just needed a ride home.

But there was a definite downside to the concept of a cellphone in our pockets – the challenge of parenting our teenagers who owned them.

Cell Phone vs. Bag Phone

I had already adjusted to having a bag phone in the car. But, in my mind, it seemed like an altogether different type of mobile convenience than the new flip phones and Blackberry models.

My bag phone was to be used in an emergency, and since I was constantly driving my kids back and forth on two-lane Texas country roads, I loved the comfort of knowing I could merely plug a hefty cord into the cigarette lighter and call for help if I needed it. And since it was so expensive to pay roaming fees while using it, my bag phone’s presence felt more like an insurance policy than a modern-day communication luxury. It was deemed a necessity, the cost of which we included as a line item in our monthly budget, right below food and clothing.

But, very soon, the latest greatest telephone revision made its appearance on the communication scene, which caused a much bigger stir.

It was called a cell phone, and not only could I carry one for emergencies, but every member of my family could have their own, for a semi-low cost per month, under the provider’s “family plan”.

No Instruction Manual Included

For a while, I simply couldn’t stand the silly contraptioncs everyone began using. In fact, I wanted to avoid them like the plague.

But what was a parent to do?

Our kids needed them, after all. I mean, what if they were left stranded outside the gym for five whole minutes with other kids they didn’t know? Scarred for life – that’s what I figured mine would claim.

There was too much pressure and, goodness me, bucketfuls of perceived necessity for the existence of this new technology. If if a person desired to live with any quality of life whatsoever, he or she was gonna need to own a cell phone.

While I pondered the potential parenting mishaps that lie ahead, my husband and I shared a moment of weakness, making the decision to give in to our daughter’s incessant begging. We rationalized our choice by making a pact that we would place conditions on using the phone. And if it didn’t work out, the two of us promised we would figure out what to do about it after her birthday. LOL

However, once our daughter became glued to the thing 24/7, almost never bothering to talk to the cool parents who gave it to her, I totally regretted our decision.

I often felt the urge to drop myself onto the floor, like a fit-throwing toddler in Walmart. What have we done to our baby! I would wail. She talked to people we didn’t know and made plans we hadn’t approved. We two numbskulls quickly realized we were in over our heads.

It seemed logical that my husband and I learn how to operate a cell phone ourselves, but where was the manual with directions for parenting pre-teens who carried them?

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em

Eventually, we, along with most every other parent we knew, took the advice of my beloved Mamaw when it came to conquering the cell phone parenting crisis.

If you can’t beat ’em, join em.

I wish my Mamaw were here today for me to quiz her about the actual wisdom behind this oft-repeated motto.

Nevertheless, that’s the advice my husband and I begrudgingly took.

And, you know what?

It all worked out just fine!

Our oldest grew up into a dandy adult, despite the hours spent on that phone. And the two suffering siblings who followed after her turned out pretty wonderful as well.

Enter the iPhone

Now, here we are, almost 20 years later (!!) carrying the latest generation iPhones, which make our lives so much easier we wonder how we ever lived without them.

With the quick installation of an app, we check mail, order groceries, buy gifts and deposit checks.

When our son needed to select new eyeglass frames, he was able to poll the whole family in second, using the Snapchat app. (Of course, I thought he was cute in all of them.)

With apps like Shapchat, my iPhone keeps me connected to the family while also adding a lot of fun to my day.

The Skinny on Snapchat

Basically, while Snapchat may be perceived as a social media platform primarily for the younger generation, it offers immense value for grandparents over 50 as well.

By embracing this app, grandparents can stay connected with their grandchildren, share their life stories, and even find a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

It’s never too late to explore new technology and use it to strengthen intergenerational relationships, create lasting memories, and discover new connections.

So, if you’re a grandparent over 50, don’t hesitate to download Snapchat and embark on a digital journey filled with love, laughter, and learning.

Here are three good reasons to add this app to your phone.

1. Stay Connected to Grandchildren With Snapchat

One of the greatest joys of being a grandparent is maintaining a strong bond with your grandchildren, regardless of distance. Snapchat provides an ideal platform for keeping in touch with your younger family members, allowing you to share and receive photos, videos, and messages in real-time. Whether your grandchildren live nearby or in another part of the world, you can stay updated on their daily lives, milestones, and adventures through Snapchat’s instant messaging and story-sharing features. By actively engaging with your grandchildren on this platform, you can bridge the generational gap and foster a deeper connection with them. Our granddaughter sends snaps from her day, and our SIL shares early morning snaps of our oldest grandson just before Daddy drops him off at school.

2. Embrace the Power of Visual Storytelling

Snapchat is renowned for its unique and creative features that enable users to share their stories visually. As a grandparent, you have a wealth of experiences, memories, and stories to share with your loved ones. Snapchat allows you to capture and document those moments through photos and videos, embellishing them with stickers, filters, and captions. By embracing the power of visual storytelling on Snapchat, you can create lasting memories for your grandchildren and offer them a glimpse into your life, adventures, and wisdom. This form of interactive storytelling can be both entertaining and educational, allowing you to pass down family traditions, values, and life lessons in a fun and engaging manner.

3. Save Time with Easy to Use Features

One of the reasons why Snapchat has become so popular among users of all ages is its easy-to-use features. From the moment you open the app, you’ll find a simple and intuitive interface that makes navigating and using its features a breeze. Snapchat’s iconic camera interface allows you to capture photos and videos with just a tap or a long press. Adding filters, stickers, and text to your snaps is as easy as swiping left or right on the screen. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or new to social media, Snapchat’s user-friendly features make it easy for anyone to create and share fun and engaging content. Snap Chat allows you to take a photo and add text in one application. No more taking a picture and copying it to the body of a text. Also, one “Snap” can be quickly sent to several people – think group text, only way faster.



How are you using the Snapchat app to stay connected?

Perhaps you have another favorite app to recommend?

I’d love to hear about it!

Encouraging intentional adventure and a whole lot of staying connected to the people we love,

PS – If you want to learn more from a professional, you can find a step-by-step Snapchat tutorial here.  Or just get an eight year-old grandkid to show you. They probably know how. LOL

PSS: Here are a few other blog posts you might enjoy.

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