by Dr. Ken Canfield
My wife Michelle has adapted very well to grandparenting since she joined our family. Like all grandparents, she has some unique ways of loving and encouraging our grandkids—things that somehow just seem to work with them. And I want to share one idea that maybe you can use:
Having art supplies available pretty much all the time.
There’s part of a room in our house that’s dedicated to this, and the grandkids love going in there and just going crazy.
It’s a great place they know they can go to have fun whenever they’re visiting us, and it fosters their growth and development in some fantastic areas, like creativity and imagination, find motor skills and hand-eye coordination, problem solving, self-esteem, and sometimes even teamwork and collaboration. (And it can help get them away from electronic screens and devices.)
Of course we both love going in there with them when we can.
Maybe you could do something similar for your grandkids. Just make a list of supplies that they would probably enjoy, such as: blank paper, cardstock and construction paper, paints and brushes, scissors, glue, glitter, stickers, markers and colored pencils and crayons, beads, clay, markers and colored pencils and crayons, and a few kid-sized easels. You may need some drawers or bins for storage, with table and floor space.
Pro tip: given the long list of supplies you’ll need, get them at a dollar store. Unless your grandkids are already well-advanced in some art- or craft-related skills, they won’t worry about the difference.
Also: prepare yourself for what comes with it. That means lots of messes to clean up, of course, and sometimes that could take a little while. But it’s well worth it, because you’ll also get lots of new artwork to display around your house. Maybe clear some space on your fridge or maybe a wall in the living room or somewhere else where they can see it—and be inspired to add to it—every time they come.
What other, similar “workstations” could you create for your grandkids in your house? One for music? Woodworking or construction? Science and chemistry? Cooking and baking? Scrapbooking? Gardening? Costumes and talent show performances?
Most of all, tune into your grandkids’ interests.
What do they enjoy, and where do they seem to be gifted? And in what areas are you’re equipped to teach them a few skills and keep encouraging them? This is a great way to build those relationships now, knowing that you’re also investing in their future.
Do you have similar places at home for your grandkids? How does it work for you? Leave a comment on our Facebook page here.
