Susie Almaneih explains Bonding with the Grandparents and lists Tips for Kids and Parents

1. Bonding with the Grandparents:
Tips for Kids and Parents
SUSIE ALMANEIH

2. Our parents can provide
our children with some
unique life lessons...

3. It used to be that we picked up all our life skills by watching our parents
or grandparents, but in this era, our children’s primary source of
information is school.
As a result, we have lost valuable lessons about everything from cooking to mechanics.

4. The good news is that we as parents can enrich our children’s lives by
encouraging them to access one of the most valuable resources at their
disposal: their grandparents.

5. Here are a few easy ways to think about enhancing the lives
of both our parents and our children:

6. Take the time.
Every week, if not more,
the kids should make a
call, write a letter or visit.
Parents can facilitate this
as a matter of course
for families that live close
together by keeping
communication
with both kids
and grandparents
on what activity they
would like to do and
planning accordingly.

7. Special Skills.
Does grandpa hunt or
fish?
Does grandma bake
or sew?
Maybe they both do
all these things, and
can impart
needlework or fly
fishing. Sometimes, we
as their children don’t
even know about
some of our parents’
secret skills. And
what a gift to give
the next generation!

8. Cut Costs.
There are ways in which our older children can help tend to the yard,
take out the trash, help repaint or do other odd jobs that may save the
grandparents time and money. Conversely, grandparents can watch the
kids and they are usually happy to do it instead of a babysitter.

9. Make a Family Tree.
This is a project that the whole family can get into, by going through the photo albums
and whipping out the art supplies. It is a great life lesson for kids to see a bit of their
ancestry and a nice opportunity for the grandparents to tell some stories and take a
walk down memory lane.

10. The more we include our parents in the family conversation, meet them half way, and
explore ways for our kids to broaden their relationship to their grandparents, the
stronger the family as a whole becomes. It sets us up for more joy and more ability to
take life’s tough obstacles. And it helps our children be more compassionate, well-rounded
people!