To Grandchildren, With Love
By Arlene Bascom
As you seek to show your love for your grandchildren, no matter what your circumstances, you can find opportunities to express your love in your own unique way. Choose to spend time with grandchildren, doing things that suit your personality and your style. Consider whether these four ideas may fit your time, circumstances, and personality.
Listen to Your Grandchildren, Really Listen
One grandmother told us she makes it a point to invite one child at a time to visit so that each child has the opportunity to talk to his heart's content and to be sure of an appreciative audience. She tries to ask questions about his friends, interests, accomplishments, and most of all, his feelings. She makes sure she is prepared to listen with her heart, without judging or criticizing anything her grandchild shares.
Teach Skills
Some grandmothers love to teach grandchildren to do the things they do well, such as sewing, cooking, writing, painting, singing, reading poetry, cleaning house, or gardening. Don't assume grandchildren already have these skills. Sometimes busy parents don't take the time to patiently instruct children in anything but the basic living skills. Sharing your talents is real evidence of your love. As you help a grandchild build his/her skills and become more talented, well-rounded human beings, you give their self-esteem a giant boost.
Read to Them
Sharing a good story never fails to delight a youngster, and the closeness they feel to you as they snuggle on your lap creates an important bond. Recently, one grandmother discovered the joys of reading aloud the short story “Rikki Tikki Tavi." Children seem to be mesmerized by the enchanting way Kipling uses the English language, and she found it was so much fun to let the words roll off her tongue!
Build Traditions with Your Grandchildren
Overnight sleepovers at Grandma's house for all the cousins are a tradition in one family. Grandma prepares treats, reads them a goodnight story, and tucks them in, as part of the tradition. A Halloween tradition of a good nutritious dinner at Grandma's house before the children go out to fill up on candy is the tradition of another grandmother we know. Making Valentine cookies with all the girl cousins is a favorite tradition for a grandmother who loves to cook; while making all the grandchildren a Christmas apron fits the talents of another grandmother who would rather sew. The one rule for a tradition is that it should be enjoyable for all concerned, even Grandma!
The experiences you share with your grandchildren can become beloved Family traditions. Traditions are great for creating closeness because they create memories that bind families together and give children a sense of belonging. Decide now on a tradition you want to develop that fits your personality, abilities, and interests.