There are several things that factor into the amount of time your kids spend with their grandparents. Distance has a direct impact on how much direct contact they have. The age of the children and of the grandparents is also a factor in determining how much one-on-one time kids and grandparents share. Grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and life-experiences that they can and want to share with the grandchildren. Being in contact with grandchildren can help grandparents feel young. As a bonus, the grandkids can guide their grandparents through the technological devices that can expand their level of communication. Here are a few ways that can help you to help them to foster their relationship despite any factors that might be keeping that at bay.
Show Up For Games and Events
If you live close to your child’s grandparents, make sure they know your child’s game schedule and the dates when events such as a recital, award ceremony or other special activities are happening so that they can attend. If the grandparents no longer drive or don’t drive at night, try to arrange to pick them up and take them to the event. If the grandparents live too far away to travel to games and other events, you could still give them a game schedule or prepare a special events calendar for them so that they can call and ask how the game or event went.
Family Vacations
A family vacation that includes the grandparents is a great way for everyone to stay connected. Returning to a vacation spot that ignites happy memories of previous family vacations or exploring new adventures together can be beneficial to grandchildren, parents and grandparents. Doing things as a family unit will probably require some planning and preparation, but the memories you’ll make will be lifelong treasures.
The Importance of Visits
There’s nothing quite like a visit to grandma or grandpa’s house. Grandchildren love the special treatment they get there and the fun things that they get to do with their grandparents. If a grandparent is living in an independent living community like Mari de Villa, visiting grandparents can still be a fun experience.
It’s important to make sure that the time that is spent together is enjoyable. A morning of fishing followed by a picnic is just one example of a shared activity that grandparents and grandkids can enjoy. Simple pleasures such as playing board games, putting puzzles together, painting or doing some other type of craft are activities that grandparents and grandchildren can do together at a private home or senior living community.
Using Technology to Stay Connected
Social media sites, computers and devices such as smartphones and other technological devices make it easy for grandparents to stay up-to-date on what is going on in their grandchild’s life. You can check on various sites, such as SeniorNet, to explore many types of technological items that can help seniors stay connected to family and friends—which is especially great if you live far away from them.
Grandchildren and grandparents share a special bond that is unique in comparison to other family relationships. It’s important that you take steps to assure that they are able to connect face-to-face as often as possible. Using technology to fill in the gap between personal visits is a wonderful way to strengthen that very special bond.
