QUESTION: I’m a grandparent who would like to build a really special relationship with my grandchildren. Do you have any specific ideas from other grandparents you can share?

 

ANSWER: Because I enjoy talking with people about their children and family life styles, I have the opportunity to hear lots of family memories. The following are nine of my favorite examples of creative grandparenting:

• When your grandchild is a youngster, begin a picture album of special occasions that you will gift her with when she becomes engaged or gets her first apartment.

• When your grandchild is too big for lap-sitting any longer, begin a relationship ritual of brushing her hair.

• If you think your grandchild spends a lot of time indoors with the TV or computer, be the one to gift him with a badminton set or tent.

• Whatever your area of interest or gifting, share it by involving your grandchild and pass on the skill, whether it is gardening, cooking, piano playing, painting, carpentry, fishing, cross stitch or card playing.

• Whatever your grandchild’s age, at birthday time wrap up a corresponding number of small gifts, then wrap them all inside one larger box.

• If your grandchild has a special collection, and you travel, look for those collectibles in various cities or states.

• Ask your grandchild what she thinks about music, school, politics, war, cars, sports, marijuana, movies, TV or advertising and then listen carefully. Respond simply with a thoughtful phrase like, “That’s interesting, or creative, or insightful.” You might say, “That’s a new idea for me. I’ll think about that.”

• When a grandchild goes off to college or that first job away from home, send along a new Bible or a favorite book, like “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People.” Put a five or ten dollar bill in your own favorite chapter and you’ll discover when the chapter actually gets read.

• If you are comfortable with prayer, ask your grandchild what he’d like you to be praying for during the week. If that’s not your life style, tell your grandchild you think about him all week long and ask what he’d like you to visualize him doing successfully.

Children of all ages thrive on focused attention from people who value them. Grandparents are like cheerleaders and coaches in the game of life. We all play better when encouragement and experience are on our side.

If you would like to talk with a parenting specialist about the challenges in raising children, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Línea de Apoyo at 877-434-9528. For free emergency child care call Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599.

Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org.