How To Be An Awesome Grandparent
As you may already be aware of, there’s a lot of different approaches to grandparenting. One thing that makes it much easier to be a good grandparent is living fairly close to your grandchildren. However, it’s not impossible to be a great grandparent from a distance. With so many people moving south after retirement, this is often a likely scenario.
If you are currently living quite some distance from your grandchildren, you want to make sure you make time to call them or write them on regular basis. Communication is key, so even a phone call every now and again is a good idea. It is a great feeling to know that their grandparents checked up on them and are thinking about them. It helps them feel like their grandparents really love them the way they are. And writing is even better. While e-mails are good, I’m not referring to that type of writing. When you send your grandchild a letter or even a card in the mail, it shows them that you took the time to think about them and send them something special in the mail. Your child will probable throw the card away after a quick glance. However a letter, on the other hand, is something that grandchildren will generally keep, re-read and save as a memory of their grandparents.
Whenever you can, you should go to see your grandchildren and visit them. You might find this difficult to do. After all, the parents of your grandchildren – your own children – will only want you around so often. Timing is everything when it comes to these visits. Once you figure out their schedule and how many visits are OK with them, you can try to come as much as you want. If you set up regular times to go visit you will be able to make the most out of your visits with your grandchildren.
Another good idea is to try to plan special events for your visits that will make a lasting memory in the minds of your grandchildren. Something as simple as a trip to the zoo or the circus might be possibilities. There might be even more unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression on them. These events could be taking a steamboat ride on a nearby river, trips the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, or even an evening of toasting marshmallows and making s’mores at night around a fire pit. Sometimes it’s the most simple idea that has the biggest impact. You don’t even have to leave your own backyard if you own a outdoor fire pit. Even more fun is a grandchild who gets to be up later than normal, roast marshmallows, plus sit around and listen to stories from grandparents that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Even though it comes under the heading of breaking bedtimes rules, it’s also fun to do just that sometimes.
These are only ideas. Regardless of your options, what really matters is that you spend time with your grandchildren.