Nurturing the bond between grandparents and grandchildren yields a unique connection that leaves lasting memories. Every second counts. Whether the grandparents enjoy their retirement peacefully or receive care for cancer or other illnesses, imagine how much value they would feel if their grandkids spent time with them? Time with grandparents also plays a crucial role in child development. It is highly recommended that you nurture this connection early from their childhood years. Below are a few ways to help build a lasting bond between kids and their grandparents:
1. Use Technology
More emphasis is spending time together in person, but distance is often a great hindrance to frequent meetups. Thankfully, technology has broken many physical barriers by making it possible for people to communicate no matter where they are.
There are a variety of online face-to-face apps whereby grandparents and grandchildren can interact and communicate frequently. Alternatively, both can also play simple competitive online games, use messaging apps and make weekly calls to keep up the communication. If they have frequently been interacting online, they won’t be strangers when they meet in person.
2. Create Opportunities That Help Them Build Memories
Parents are the connection between grandparents and grandchildren. If they are limited by distance and rarely meet, it’s necessary to plan activities that will make lasting memories for both parties.
Such activities could include:
- Planning nature adventures like visiting national parks, hiking, fishing, walking, etc.
- Volunteering
- Reading a book
- Picnicking
- Watching a movie together
- Cooking
- Playing games
3. Allow Them To Teach Each Other
Hobbies are a neutral point where both grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy working on a project. Here, both parties can learn and teach each other. Neither person may be perfect at their hobby, but working together builds confidence, especially for the kid.
It’s great to nurture confidence in kids while still young. Besides, you never know if they might develop those hobbies into something much more significant in the future. Such of these activities include:
- Singing
- Gardening
- Sharing recipes
- Knitting or other forms of art
4. Family Tree and Traditions
Grandparents have firsthand knowledge of the family tree and the rich family culture which has existed for years. For example, Thanksgiving dinner has been part of most family traditions for the longest time. Kids should be enlightened about why such practices are essential and why they should continue this tradition for generations. In the future, they can celebrate Thanksgiving together and involve the kids in the preparation process.
Most grandkids are naturally curious and will be interested in learning about their family history. This is your best chance. Creating a family tree together will help them understand their roots, identify personalities and genetics that they see in themselves, and connect to the world. Grandparents will also ask any questions they may have of the children.
5. Share Hilarious Stories
Grandparents have many stories about their upbringing back in the day, which is very different from modern upbringing. Their disciplinary methods back then were quite different. In the process, they also reinforce the values that the kids have been taught by their parents. Additionally, many technological advancements in the modern world were not there back in the day. Kids will undoubtedly be fascinated to know how life was back in the day, and kids will also have the chance to open up and compare the differences portrayed in the modern world.
Grandkids and grandparents should always be allowed to interact as long as the engagements are positive. If the mediation is done thoughtfully, great memories are made from them, reinforcing the grandparents’ feeling of value and appreciation.
About the Author
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey