Hands-Free FaceTime: How to Set Up Video Calls for Kids and Grandparents

September 25, 2026

Long video calls with grandparents often end up as a view of the ceiling or someone's ear. Setting the phone down on a stand fixes it.

Honest note: we design and print cards, badges, prints and party decorations in the UK. The tripod is a recommendation from elsewhere.

A bendable stand

This versatile mounting solution suits busy parents and energetic toddlers who struggle to sit still during family catch-ups. It is perfect to use when you want to share a hands-free mealtime or a craft session with relatives. As a practical tip, always check the stability of the support surface before attaching your device to ensure it remains safe and secure throughout the conversation.

Flexible tripod. A 25cm flexible tripod with bendy legs, a phone holder and a wireless Bluetooth remote. The legs wrap around railings, branches, cupboard handles and lamp stands, and the remote lets you take the photo from a few metres away.
Stand it on the table at eye level, or bend the legs round a chair arm.

Setting up the call

This preparation guide suits families connecting with less tech-savvy relatives who find mid-call adjustments frustrating. Use these simple preparation steps just before you dial to ensure a seamless, uninterrupted connection. A useful tip is to run a quick camera test yourself beforehand, making sure the lens is clean and the framing captures the whole family comfortably.

Face a window so your face is lit, not the background.
Plug the phone in for long calls.
Put it on speaker and turn the volume up.
For grandparents, set it up once and leave it in place.

Things to do on the call

These interactive activities suit young children and grandparents looking to build a closer bond despite the physical distance. Use these ideas during weekly catch-ups or special celebrations to keep the conversation flowing naturally. As a helpful tip, keep a small basket of favourite items near your calling station so you never have to walk away to find something to share.

Read a bedtime story together.
Show them a drawing or school certificate.
Open birthday cards live - Shop the range

Key things to remember

Keep the camera at eye level - it's more flattering and feels like a real chat.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I keep my phone steady on a video call?

Set it on a stand or flexible tripod at eye level.

How can grandparents video call more easily?

Leave the phone set up on a stand by their chair so they just press answer.

Do you sell the tripod?

No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges, art prints and party decorations in the UK. The tripod is a recommendation from elsewhere - only the things linked to our own shop are ours.

What is a good example of hands-free video calls for kids and grandparents?

"Stand it on the table at eye level, or bend the legs round a chair arm." is one of 9 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

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