Can you remember the smell of your grandmother’s kitchen? The touch of your grandfather’s gentle hand on top of your head? Their smiles? These memories last a lifetime and can become an important building block in a child’s self-esteem.
I was very fortunate to spent time with both of my grandmothers, and our conversations and activities were amazingly different, yet equally important. In my primary years, my maternal grandmother taught me to add bacon grease to gingerbread cookies, to play a mean game of dominoes, to recycle and reuse. In my early adult years, my paternal grandmother taught me like dry white wine, to savor the moment, to appreciate a good pair of shoes.
I think about their love and their lessons daily as we build and nurture our relationships with our own grandchildren.
Five ideas and activities
- When the grandchildren are visiting, we attempt to quiet what we are doing and focus on them. (be present, ask their ideas and opinions, and listen.)
- We play age-appropriate family games regularly when they are here. We model the fun we can have in friendly competition. We put away our phones and technology and enjoy the time together.
- Sometimes we teach them a special skill or create something together.
- We often plan and fix a special meal with input and help from our grandchildren. (What they request is amazingly easy: hot dogs and beans, spaghetti and noodles, oatmeal)
- We try to include them in doing something nice for someone else. We share our feelings about how good it feels to help others.
Remember that simple is okay, activities and time together doesn’t have to be expensive.
And be sure to take some pictures!!
It’s a Fine Life.
Here is a themed Monopoly Game. If you click it, you will go to Amazon and see other options.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.