This summer you might get to see your grandkids more often or for longer blocks of time. You might be watching them for a few days each week since they’re out of school. Maybe they will come to stay with you for a week as a special treat. Or maybe it will be more typical interactions blended into the routines of life. Whatever that looks like for you, here’s a thought to keep in mind:
Be ready.
Maybe in the past you hoped for fun activities and heart-to-heart talks when you were with them, but instead they spent most of the time looking at their phones or other screens. Or maybe you heard “I’m bored” from them once or twice. Those are all reasons why we need to be prepared. We can find simple ways to have fun, strengthen those bonds, and maybe even encourage creativity and learning. And sometimes all it takes is the right materials and a little encouragement. Here are a few thoughts to help get you started:
Reading is always a good idea.
It’s a good idea to us, but it might require some convincing for our grands. There are probably some great titles you know about that they don’t. Or you could blow the dust off one of your favorite novels and refuse to let them see it until they beg you. Maybe you can do some research about one of their hobbies or another interest and find a book or magazine to help them go deeper. Maybe an afternoon at the library together is a good place to start. It might be a tough sell to a child who just finished the school year, but it’s worth a try. There are few better gifts you can nurture than a love of reading.
Simple fun & creativity.
Some years ago, one man wanted to spur his sons to more creative thinking one summer, so he gave them each twenty feet of rope. Of course he cautioned them about safety, but he pretty much turned them loose with it. The man said, “As the summer progressed, trees were climbed, rivers forged, roughnecks tied up, and magic knots disappeared, among other creative adventures.” Those ropes opened those boys’ imaginations and sense of adventure and helped them to learn some new skills.
It doesn’t have to be a rope, and depending on your grandkids’ ages, interests, and their parents’ wishes, maybe it shouldn’t be. Safety should be a primary factor in the decision. Maybe it could be some big, empty boxes or a new sand area. It might be a paint set or a musical instrument. Something simple could turn into hours of creativity and fun.
Use discussion starters.
During that time with your grandkids—whether you’re driving somewhere, relaxing at the lake, grilling burgers or whatever—have some interesting questions ready to go. (And be ready to answer the same questions yourself!) For example:
What was your favorite toy when you were younger?
If you could re-live one day of your life, what day would it be?
Who is the best teacher you’ve ever had, and why?
If you could have one talent that you don’t have now, what would that be?
What person or family do you know that needs help in some way—and how can we reach out to them?
There are numerous lists of similar questions online and in books, and entire phone apps that provide conversation starters. Some questions might seem silly, but others can lead to meaningful discussions with your grandkids.
There are almost endless possibilities for positive summer activities with grandkids. Maybe you can share a hobby with them or teach them a skill that they couldn’t learn from anyone else. Or put them to work—with pay, of course. Or maybe you can volunteer together somewhere and help people in some way.
As a grandparent, you may be uniquely equipped to cure the boredom and invest in them at the same time. Have fun this summer!
What summer activities have you enjoyed with your grandkids? Share what has worked for you, so other grandparents can benefit. Go to our Facebook page here.
