The connection between grandparents and grandchildren is one of the most meaningful and rewarding relationships. Grandparents can offer their grandchildren timeless wisdom about life and offer them a space to share their feeling. Grandchildren can help their grandparents to feel enthusiastic and young once again. This relationship has so much to give from both sides. Hectic schedules and distance can make it difficult to spend time with grandchildren.
Turn off the gadgets.
As time with grandchildren can be a rare occurrence, these moments should always be taken advantage of and treasured. Although everyone enjoys their gadgets, these devices are the biggest detractor of quality time in a relationship. Both grandchildren and grandparents are easily distracted by their phones and tablets. Getting rid of these devices is the first step in spending quality time with grandchildren. This step alone will open up time for more meaningful conversation and time spent together.
Look at old photos or home movies.
Although grandchildren and grandparents are related, it isn’t uncommon for there to be a generational gap in between. Grandparents grew up in a much different time period than their grandchildren. Furthermore, the large age gap also is a factor in the relationship. A great way to help alleviate these differences is by showing grandchildren old photos or home movies. This will help to create a greater sense of understanding and familiarity. Grandchildren only know their grandparents in their current age. Sharing old photos can help grandchildren to see their grandparents as their own individuals. Talking about the differences between these time periods is also a great way to connect with grandchildren.
Get active.
Children love to run around and have fun. It is this youth and vitality that grandparents sometimes have a tough time keeping up with. However, it is important for grandparents to join in on this play time in order to connect with their grandchildren. Whether playing a game of tag or throwing around the ball, grandchildren treasure the time spent playing with their grandparents. Even if there are some medical conditions or disabilities keeping a grandparent from being fully active, a little bit of fun will make a world of difference in the life of a grandchild. Whether taking a grandchild for a ride on an electric wheelchair or letting them climb on a walker, every little bit of playing helps.
Have dinner together.
Family meals are an excellent tradition that have a host of benefits for children and parents. While grandparents may not be able to join for dinner every night of the week, it should be a goal to eat dinner with grandchildren on a regular basis. Dinner is a special time when people talk about their day. It is a very intimate setting that creates deep connections and strong relationships. This is also a great way for grandparents to see their grandchildren on a regular basis. Grandchildren who see their grandparents at dinner on a regular basis will begin to see them as very close family members. Nobody enjoys being that distant relative who doesn’t come around often. Regular family dinners are a great way to stay connected with grandchildren.
Go on trips.
One of the most important parts of connecting with grandchildren is creating memories that will last for a long time. Taking grandchildren on trips is a great way to accomplish this goal. A great advantage of being a grandparent is not having to discipline the children. This automatically gives grandparents a head start when creating amazing memories with their grandchildren. Short trips lasting a weekend or a short week are enough. Rent an RV and go camping, going to a theme park, and visiting a nearby town are all great ideas. Grandchildren will always be able to come up with trip ideas if grandparents cannot.
Talk openly with grandchildren.
There is a natural barrier that exists between grandchildren and grandparents. There are certain topics that grandchildren will always be more comfortable speaking to their parents about. There is a combination of distance and a lack of spending enough time together that creates this distance. In order to really connect with grandchildren, grandparents must show their willingness to discuss personal issues that may be facing their grandkids. This ability will be especially important as grandchildren age and begin becoming their own individual. Grandchildren will inevitably become closer to grandparents who are willing to discuss many personal topics.
Tamra Phelps says
I miss my grandparents every day. They were huge parts of my life growing up and even as an adult.