Nifty ways to bond with your grandkids
Whether you see them weekly or a couple of times a year, bonding time with your grandchildren is very special. While it may seem simple to stay connected when they’re younger or when you’re actually with them there’s no reason why that relationship can’t continue as they get older or when you may be apart. Building solid foundations is key, as is assessing the different personality types, likes and dislikes of your grandkids to better work out what is going to suit your relationship with them best.
Try employing some of the following strategies for creating beautiful and mutually enjoyable experiences with your grandkids.
- Surprise them – While sweets and treats are often part and parcel of the grandparent visiting experience, surprising your grandkids with something delicious in the mail is a wonderful way of staying connected. Take things a step further by sending something you always enjoy baking together or that you know they love or have wanted to try.
- Ask for their help – If you’ve wanted to get online or purchase a new piece of technology ask you older grandchildren for help. The majority will love to show off their expertise in the world of social media or fancy new devices. Spending time doing these kinds of activities together also opens up the opportunity for conversation around all kinds of topics.
- Let them take the reins– If you usually decide where you’ll be going when you see your grandkids, take a step back and ask them what they’d love to do. Even older toddlers and preschoolers will often have a very clear idea of an activity they’d love to take you along to. Whether it’s a different park to the usual, a café or somewhere altogether different, let them take the reins and (within reason) follow their lead.
- Find an activity you both enjoy – Finding a mutually enjoyable activity with your older grandchildren is one of life’s little pleasures. While plenty of tweens and teens seem to be only interested in heir iPhones and iPads, with a bit of probing you may well uncover an interest in something above and beyond technology. Try and foster this engagement, especially if it’s something you enjoy or have enjoyed in the past.
- Fill a niche or void – Most kids, regardless of age, have either a special interest or an area of their lives where they don’t feel especially understood (sometimes both!). With a bit of close observation and gentle questioning you may be able to uncover that area that may need some nurturing. Whether it’s feeling “left out” due to older or younger siblings, worrying about school or sporting issues or wanting to pursue an activity that’s a bit different from what the rest of the family enjoy doing, be there as the “support person”. It’ll not only give your loved one a huge boost but will also provide plenty of bonding opportunities.
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