Grandparents tend to feel neglected at times and wishing for more time with their grandkids. On many occasions grandparents feel they do not get enough time with their grandkids citing reasons as lack of involvement from their own kids.
Then there is the feeling of lack of closeness because as grandparents sometimes they feel inadequate to be involved with their grandkids. Somewhere along the way of raising "parents" they feel they forgot how to interact with kids.
Here are a few suggestions for grandparents to be active and involved in their grandchildren's lives.
Pick up the phone
I have heard on many occasions grandparents complain that their own kids never call them so they have no clue what is going on in their grandchildren's lives. Pick up the phone. You have fingers. You do not need permission to call, Most likely your own children are just overwhelmed with work and lift. Pick up the phone and call and ask to speak to your grandchild. You are the grandma, mama, mimi, pawpaw after all!
Send a letter
Kids love getting mail. In our society today, most grandparents are finding themselves far from their grandkids. This is a great way to stay involved. If you start letter correspondence, more then likely you will get a letter or picture in return.
Offer to babysit
Babysitting costs these days are through the roof and most times parents never get any alone time. They would love for you to take their child for a day, night or even a week if you can do it. Make sure to plan a ton of activities such as baking cookies, going for walks, whatever special things you did with their parent as a child. They will love learning what their parents were like as kids and staying busy. The grandkids will look forward to spending time with you.
Remember Your Past
Kids love learning about what you were like when you were their age. Pull out the photo album, drive to your childhood home or just converse with them about your past. They will become fond memories.
Get outdoors
Kids love staying busy so get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your grandchild. Go for a walk, go fishing, swimming or even camping. It can even be as simple as going on a picnic together at a local park.
Kids love getting to spend time with their grandparents. Don't let your own fears get in the way of this special bond or getting to be close with your grandkids. Take the initiative. You will be glad you did!
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