Making Time For Grandchildren

Grandparents are great influences and helpmates to grandchildren. Spending time with your grandchildren can enhance their lives. The love given will be remembered for the lifetime of the grandchildren.

Sometimes grandparents are unable to be with grandchildren or great-grandchildren as much as they would like. This is not an uncommon problem in the United States as grandparents no longer live with the family. Yet, there are times, even when the grandparents are a long distance from the grandchildren, that special activities can take place with lots of love. The quality can be more important than the quantity of time spent with the children and can happen whether in the presence of the children or away. Obviously, it is an advantage if grandparents live close to the grandchildren and can see them more often. They can become "playmates" or historians. Playing board games, introducing new hobbies, ideas, skills, or just sharing songs, stories,time and talents with the grandchildren can be enlightening to both of them.

Grandparents should be aware of the different levels of development for children of different ages. In this matter, appropriate activities can be participated in that meet the level of the grandchildren. If something too complicated is introduced, frustration is felt by both the grandparents and grandchildren. Resources for this information are readily available. Schools can help as can books and the internet.

If far away from the grandchildren, phone calls, text messaging, cards, letters, and little "playful gifts" can be exchanged with the grandchildren. Then they know they are not forgotten and develop a real trust in and love for grandma and grandpa.