Using Grandparent Games

I have limited computer skills. Can I still use Grandparent Games?

Not to worry, Grandparent Games is designed so that even novice computer users can easily use the site.

Do I need to have a webcam to use Grandparent Games?

While we recommend that both you and your grandchild have a webcam, a webcam is not absolutely necessary to play the games. Grandparent Games was designed so you and your grandchild can see one another while you interact and play the games. If only you have a webcam your grandchild will be able to see you, though you will not be able to see your granchild, and vice versa.

If one or both of you don't have a webcam it is still possible to play the games. With a proper voice connection you can still use Grandparent Games and play the games together in a meaningful way, though your experience may not be as good as it could be if you both have webcams. Need a webcam? Click here.

I don't have a microphone, can I still use Grandparent Games? 

Yes. The important point is having some sort of voice connection so you can talk about what is going happening on the screen. Some of our members report that they talk with their grandchild over the telephone rather than with microphones. If you have a long distance phone plan that would make using your telephone reasonable, such as unlimited long distance, you may be able to do so in place of a microphone. You can purchase a microphone through our store.

Can my grandchild decide what to put up on the screen?

There are some interactive games where your grandchild can type or draw, but for most of the activities grandparents are in control. If your grandchild has something he really likes, he can tell you what he’d like to see and you can play it on the screen for him.

What's the best way to use each of the games on the site?

Using Grandparent Games is simple. Think about what you would say to your grandchild if she were sitting on your lap reading a book. Start by talking about what you see on the screen. Sound out letters and words. Describe the colors and shapes of what you are looking at. Ask her questions about what she sees and likes. Talk about your own likes and experiences with something. Remember as the grandparent, you are directing the experience.

Membership

Do my grandchildren have to create an account?

No. Your grandkids never have to give any information about themselves. They will be able to meet with you simply by entering your e-mail address.

Do I need a separate account for each of my grandkids?

No. Your paid membership lets you meet with as many of your grandkids as you would like.

I already have a program that allows me and my grandchild to see and talk to one another. What more can Grandparent Games offer me?

While being able to see and talk with your grandchild is a part of Grandparent Games, the key is having something to talk about. Grandparent Games provides age appropriate animations and games that you and your grandchild see at the same time. Animations to help them learn the alphabet and to read simple words, pictures to talk about, sounds to listen to, age appropriate videos to watch together, and even animations that are just for fun. These are all designed to keep your grandchild's attention and allow you to talk to them longer. We're confident that your interactions with your grandchild will be longer and more fulfilling, allowing you to be a bigger part of their lives.

Technical Issues

My michrophone isn't working, my grandchild can't hear me. What can I do?

If your microphone works with other applications, there are some simple steps you can take to fix microphone issues in the Flash environment. When you first launch the Grandparent Games window there is a dialogue that will take you through the setup process. View our Step-by-step Guide to help you with this process. The two main parts of this process in regard to the microphone is allowing Flash player access to your microphone (Steps 3 and 4), and selecting the proper microphone (Step 7).

If you already have the Grandparent Games window open, you can right-click (in Windows) or Cmd+click (on a Mac) on a game, and select "Settings" near the bottom, which will open the Flash Player settings panel. You can change the microphone access permission on the "Privacy" tab, and the microphone selection on the "Microphone" tab. You can test your microphone when the settings panel open by talking into your mic while on the "Microphone" tab; the green bar on the bottom left of the panel will rise into the yellow zone. If the bar isn't visible, try selecting a different a different microphone from the drop down box.

The right side of the Grandparent Games window is cut off. How can I fix it?

You may need to change your Display Settings in order for the game window to be fully visible. We recommend a minimum setting of 1024x768. The resolution that will work best for you will in part depend on the size of your monitor. Check the help section of your operating system for "Display Settings" for information on how to do so. If you need further help with this you can contact us at support@grandparentgames.com. In your email please let us know what operating system you are using.