There?s no doubt today?s grandparents are more active, more vigorous, and more vivacious than ever before. Case in point: How many more seniors do you see working out at the gym today than you did 20 years ago? ??Nuf said.
Yet still, truth be told, grandparents (me included) just literally aren?t as young as we used to be. That means we?re moving just a wee bit slower and possess just a wee bit less energy than before. Not by much, mind you, but still a little less nonetheless. (Note: I just had my two young grandchildren spend two weeks with me, and it took me an additional two weeks to recuperate! This is a common occurrence among grandparents, so I?ve been told.)
Bottom line, what I?m trying to tell you is that when you, as a parent, are trying to think of things for your kids to do with their grandparents, tone it down just a smidgen. ?(We?ll thank you for it later!) ?After all, activities for grandparents should be slightly different than activities for younger persons (like aunts, uncles, and babysitters), especially if they have any physical limitations.
Need some ideas? Here are a few:
- At-Home, Sit-Down Activities ? Anything that can be done sitting down works well, especially if the grandparent (or great grandparent) has a physical disability. Examples include working on puzzles, coloring, doing arts and crafts, reading books, watching movies, or having a tea party.
- Short Trips ? Walking or driving to nearby places allows for a change of scenery plus expanded options. Examples include walking around the block (these Step2 wagons are a huge help), going to the park, or treating for ice cream.
- Running Errands ? One errand at a time is the secret here. If you need help grocery shopping, great. A grandparent loves to assist whenever possible! But don?t piggy-back it with requests to also stop at the bank, drycleaners, drugstore, and library, too.
- Special Events ? It?s nice for a grandparent to spend some special time bringing a grandchild to a special event, but? make sure it?s not too overwhelming (in terms of parking or seating) or way too late at night (our eyes aren?t what they used to be, neither is our stamina). Examples include attending a play, concert, county fair, or professional sporting event; visiting a museum, amusement park, or tourist attraction; going to the zoo, aquarium, or circus; or eating out at a restaurant.
- Extraordinary Vacation ? Some grandparents are only more than happy, willing, and able to take one or more grandchildren on a special trip. I have several friends who have done this. It?s a great way to spend some quality one-on-one time, bond more closely, and create some really wonderful memories. Examples include visiting large cities such as New York, Chicago, or San Francisco; traveling to destination attractions such as Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, or the Smithsonian Institution; or embarking on extraordinary adventures such as a family cruise, all-inclusive resort, or African safari.
Just remember, grandparent activities don?t have to be boring. They just have to be sensible.
Suggested books on grandparent activities:
Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Grandmas are for Giving Tickles by Harriet Ziefert
Grandpas are for Finding Worms by Harriet Ziefert
Grandma & Me Activity Book by Marianne Richmond
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