How To Encourage Bonding Between Your Kids and Their Grandparents
There are many ways to bond with your children's grandparents.Whether she lives down the street or across the country, you can encourage her to get involved in your kids lives in a variety of ways.Dinner, dance practice, and sports events are some of the activities that your grandparents should be involved in.Staying in touch with letters, technology, and vacations will help your kids bond with grandparents who don't live next door.Encouraging your kids to conduct an oral history interview with Grandpa is one of the ways history can help intergenerational bonding.
Step 1: Talk to your children about spending time with their grandparents.
It is important for your kids to understand the value of having regular intergenerational interactions.Explain to your kids why it is important to you.Talk about benefits appropriate to their age and stage of development.Don't say, "Bobby, I am excited you want to spend time with Grandpa."Some of the best moments of my life were when I used to go horseback riding with my grandpa.
Step 2: Encourage your kids to play together.
Your kids can decide when and how they will bond with their grandparents.Ask them to come up with a list of things they love to do and think grandma would enjoy.Ask your kids to write down things Grandpa might be able to teach them.
Step 3: A weekly dinner is hosted.
A weekly meal where your children and their grandparents can get together and talk about the week's highlights is a great way to encourage bonding.If the grandparents are willing to host, invite them to do so.Your children can help their grandparents prepare a dish for the occasion.If the idea of a weekly dinner seems overwhelming, try a monthly gathering where everyone brings a dish or two to share.Pressure will be alleviated on both guests and hosts.
Step 4: The grandparents should be invited to extracurricular activities.
There are a lot of afterschool and weekend activities for children.Encourage your children to invite their grandparents to participate in important moments with them, whether it is a football game, dance recital, or school play.Ensure the grandparents feel welcome at these events by extending the invitation yourself.Give your kids a copy of their game and practice schedule to give to their grandparents.The grandparents will be able to plan ahead and participate more fully in such events.
Step 5: There are many opportunities for grandparents to get involved.
A lot of grandparents have busy schedules.This can include working full-time.It can be difficult for your children to manage their own schedule.It is important to invite them to events and opportunities to get involved in your children's lives.Even though she couldn't make it to the ballet recital last month, grandma will still be excited to attend this week's baton twirling event.
Step 6: Discuss guidelines with your grandparents.
You will need to be clear about the rules the children are expected to follow and ask the grandparents to childproof their home for younger children.Thank them for spending time with your kids first.Let them know what your expectations are, and listen to what they have to say.You can say, "I'm really excited that you will be watching the kids after school this fall."The boys need to follow the rules.Do you think we can work together to make sure they follow you at home?Suggestions for childproofing.Would it be possible for you to put childproof locks on your kitchen cabinets?I am happy to buy and install them for you.
Step 7: Encouraging interactions is a way to facilitate them.
If the grandparents don't have a good relationship with your children, it may be difficult for them to know how to interact with them.It may be helpful to give the grandparents some encouragement.Say something like, "Thank you for putting that puzzle together with Jake."He really enjoys spending time with you.I know it's hard to connect with a young child, but you're doing a great job.
Step 8: Don't forget to plan regular visits.
It can be difficult to bond with grandparents who live far away.Even if it is only possible a few times a year, planning regular visits can make bonding easier.It is a good idea to have a conversation with your kids grandparents about the importance of seeing each other.It's important for your kids to have face-to-face time with their grandparents when you visit in the near future.It is important for you to spend time with the kids.Do you want to spend several holidays together this year?
Step 9: Use technology to your advantage.
Kids can use technology to connect with their grandparents.Kids can bond with their grandparents using a variety of technologies, from a face time conversation on your smart phone to playing games on the Internet.Try setting up regular Skype dates with your kids' grandparents, or ask them to set up a snap chat account to share silly picturesEncourage your kids to teach grandparents how to use technology.Make sure you share photos of your family with your grandparents by asking them to post photos on social media.
Step 10: Send postcards and write letters.
Sending snail mail encourages bonding between long-distance grandparents and children.Send a package filled with stationery, stamps, and pre-addressed letters to your kids if they write a letter to grandma.She will be happy to start writing to her pen pals.Encourage your kids to send a postcard to grandma.I am looking for a pen pal.Are you going to send letters to each other this winter?
Step 11: The grandparents should be updated on your child's accomplishments.
You may need to update your grandparents on your child's accomplishments if you don't speak with them often.After your child has finished speaking with the grandparents, try to give them some important information.If your child recently won an award at school, then you might want to share this information with the grandparents.
Step 12: You can have a sleepover at grandma's.
A great way for your kids to spend time with their grandparents is to have a sleepover.Sleeping at grandma's can help your child build her independence and confidence while she is away from mom and dad.
Step 13: A family vacation is a good idea.
A family vacation is great for bonding between grandparents and their children.Consider taking your kids on a weekend trip to the city where they can play in the park and visit the zoo with their grandpa.A camping trip at a state park is ideal for your family.If you want to reduce stress, consider booking separate accommodations for the grandparents.
Step 14: One-on-one excursions should be encouraged.
If you have more than one child, it can be difficult for grandma to get enough time with them.Encourage your grandparents to take you on one-on-one excursions with your children.A weekend trip to see a show on Broadway can be something as simple as catching a Saturday matinee.To avoid jealousy, make sure each child gets his or her own one-on-one adventure.
Step 15: One of grandma's secret recipes is to be cooked.
A perfect opportunity for bonding between the two generations is that grandparents have skills that they can share with your kids.Is there a secret family recipe for spaghetti?Is Grandpa still cooking the borscht his mother taught him years ago?Encourage your kids to ask their grandparents for help.
Step 16: Encourage Grandpa to garden.
A great way for your kids to bond with their grandparents is with hands-on skills like gardening, woodworking, or bird watching.Encourage Grandpa to show your daughter or son how to do it.This will ensure that the skills are passed on to the next generation.
Step 17: Interview the parents.
Kids can use oral history to learn about the past.Interviewing grandma is a great way to learn about her life as a young woman, as well as pass on family and regional history that might otherwise be lost.Make a list of questions to ask your grandma and then sit down with your child.You can use your phone to record the interview and preserve it for future generations.
Step 18: A family history book can be made.
There are a lot of old photos lying around that tell stories about a family's history.If you want to make copies of the originals, ask your children's grandparents to locate old family photos.If you use the originals, have your children work with their grandparents to create a scrapbook with the photos and any stories Grandpa might want to share.
Step 19: A family tree can be made.
Learning about their ancestry is fun for kids.Ask your grandparents to sit down with your children and sketch out a family tree.The opportunity to share stories about her parents and grandparents will be given.