Wild Grandparenting
According to the ever-knowledgeable Wikipedia, the official flower of Grandparents’ Day is the forget-me-not.
I think that’s sweet, don’t you? While we’re all busy, it’s important to keep contact with your kids’ grandparents. Technology makes it easier than ever, even if you live far away. Here are some other ideas for good grandparent bonding, in honor of Grandparents’ Day (it was September 12).
Grandparent Camp — Ask if they have any interest in doing a grandparent camp. Suggest a week when school is out and possible activities your kids might enjoy. Camp can be at your house or at the grandparent’s house. Ideally, try to use the time for you to get away to revitalize your parenting skills or your marriage.
Funding for Church Camps and Mission Trips – If grandparents ask for gift suggestions, suggest something that invests in your child’s spiritual growth. Set up a mission trip/church camp fund for each child and give the grandparents the opportunity to help. Ask the kids to always send a note from camp to thank the grandparents.
Grandparenting Resources
- The Grandparents Handbook: Games, Activities, Tips, How-Tos, and All-Around Fun by Elizabeth LaBan with Nana Barbara Trostler and Grandpa Myron LaBan (Quirk Books, 2009)
- Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks by Sharon Lovejoy (Workman, 2009)
See our article, “A Grand Visit,” on page 26 of September’s ParentLife magazine. Do you have any other suggestions for “Wild Grandparenting”?
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
