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Grandparents Stay Connected To Your Grandchildren!

Posted: Monday, October 18, 2010

by Priestess Kandi
Kandi's Treasures

In today's society, where family bonds are not as strong as they once were, families are loosing touch with direct family members. Sometimes grandchildren live in the same city, but still loose touch with their grandparents.

Grandparents are one of the families strongest links.
Grandparents bring stability and support to the family which you may not find elsewhere. Be sure to keep the family bond an important part of your own family values. This is one of the keys to staying connected to your grandchildren.

It is interesting to think about what you are called by your grandchildren and why.
Here's my story. I have always been opposed to the thought of being called 'Grandma'. I found out that I would be a grandmother for the first time and couldn't figure out what it was I wanted to be called. Time went by and Jazzi began to speak words. I still had not decided what she would call me.

In desperation I posted the question to the Free Lunch Room forum. The headline read something like this: "Grandma Needs A New Name". It was refreshing to see so many responses, ideas and choices. I talked it over with Dwayne and we settled upon Nana & Papa. That's who we will be to our grandchildren from now on. There are many names for grandparents and each has an interesting story behind how they got them.

Here is an idea:
Create a Grandparents Book. This is like a baby book, only in reverse. Record things about the Grandparents instead of the children. Hey this is a perfect way to stay connected to the grandchildren! Put photos and memories of times when Grandchildren and Grandparents are together. Let this be one thing that you do together. This will strengthen the family bond and allow you to learn about each other too.

Time is of the essence:
Just like in the example above, Never let time slip away! It is so EZ to loose track of time. How long has it been since you contacted your grandchildren?

There is also the growing number of Grandparents with a small budget and / or who have a large number of grandchildren. If the budget is too small the grandparents can not always afford to do much.

Here are some ideas:

Send a post card
Monthly letter with $1
E-Mail
Phone call
Send Rewards for good grades or other achievements
Record your voice onto a CD, or mp3

Not all parenting styles are the same.
Even though you might expect your children to raise your grandchildren in the same way as you raised your children. This does not always happen. There is a relief of knowing that we are all individuals and when your children are adults you must respect their parenting styles while you are in their home, but do feel free to share your opinions if you see something out of place or unacceptable that could cause harm.

You will need to remember that until children are teens their brains are the most absorbent.
You will want to make a point to leave lasting & pleasant memories behind. Plan activities that you can do together. Find different things to do together that become routine, like the Grandparents Book

Many of the activities you choose can be educational as well as fun for both Grandchildren and Grandparents.

Here are some things you can do to stay connected:

Read to them and have them read to you. Ask them questions after to see what they remember.
Have tea parties. Teach them etiquette.
Scavenger hunts - Write clues on slips of paper leading them to the prize.
Seasonal or special occasional crafts - When it is holiday time, the season changes, birthday, new baby, anniversary or wedding there are many craft projects for less than $10 each that can be loads of fun to make and share. When making gifts, which are more awesome when made by hand, with the love that is shared between Grandchildren and Grandparents; you just can rest assured these gifts will be priceless treasures.
Sewing items that you need.
Gardening foods you will eat.
Canning and preserving foods that you grow. This will help teach the kids value of foods.
Cooking together will help you to pass down family recipes.
Star Gazing - teach them about the solar system.

I am sure that there are many things that you can find in common with your grandchildren. Hey, they came from You! You helped to create this tiny human, so surely you have plenty in common.

Leave the past in the past:
Sometimes there are tensions in a family and the parents have decided that the Grandparents will not be allowed to see the Grandchildren; for one reason or another. Some feel like their parents blew it with them and carry this opinion : "If you did such a bad job with me, why would I want you around my kids?"

Everyone changes. Age and experience helps people to realize where they went wrong and many times, if given the chance, can be much better Grandparents then they were parents. Of course most Grandparents will feel like they now have the appreciation that they get "a second chance".

Schedules can be conflicting.
Teamwork only works if you work it. Parents and Grandparents should make a point to keep in touch and schedule a time for Grandparents Time. Coordinate your calendars. You can do this easily online for free.

Create time, every so often, for the Grandparents and Grandchildren to spend time together. If the parents can be involved that is even better. This will strengthen the entire family unit of three generations. If the visit can not be in person make a point to set up a time for the kids to call the Grandparents on the phone or write them a letter.

Parents help your children stay connected and teach them manners while having them to always write thank you notes to Grandparents for gifts or any reason.

Welcome your grandchildren into your home:
Grandparents you will Need to Child proof your home and create a space for the Grandchildren. This will entail determining the age of the Grandchildren. If they are very small you should install plug covers, door locks, put breakables out of reach, etc. I know, you did that once and now it is 'Your time' to live just as you choose without all these inconveniences. Well this is just something you will have to get used to, all over again, if you are going to welcome your Grandchildren into your home.

Create a space just for the Grandchildren.
Create a place where they know they can be. With things they can touch. A toy box with a variety of things to entertain the kids will help. Find out what your Grandchildren are interested in.

Better yet find out what the Grandchild's talents are.

If the Grandchildren are natural born actors you can get props they can dress up and play different parts.
If the Grandchildren like to build things get blocks and erector sets.
If the Grandchildren like to sing make sure you have a karaoke machine.

I am sure you are getting my point by now. Just create a space in your home where they know they are welcomed and feel safe while enjoying themselves. Knowing they are loved and welcomed will leave a lasting memory on Grandchildren.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your next Grandchildren bonding time! Have fun.

Priestess Kandi Ranson

PO BOX 1432

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29578

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About Priestess Kandi Ranson

Written by Copyright © 2007 -2011 Priestess Kandi Ranson

Born in Sanford Florida on March 12, 1970 (in this body), Priestess Kandi Ranson was destined to be an entertainer! She could always see herself being an actress on the big screen, then one day she was. She is a virtual assistant available to help you complete the tasks that will help your business grow through web site building, marketing on and offline, social networking, affiliate income, event organization, web master & more.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)

» left by Brianna Popsickle
1 year 205 days ago.
121 fans.

We have raised two beautiful people. We often say we got lucky but we know much of how our children turned out was due to the loving parents we both had. I look forward to being called Grandma one day. And I plan on being the best damn Grandma around! Nice article Kandi.

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» left by Priestess Kandi 1 year 192 days ago.
7 fans. Follow Priestess Kandi on twitter!

That's great Brianna! Thanks for sharing. You will never know the feeling till it gets here. Trust me!

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» left by Jennifer Stewart
1 year 205 days ago.
153 fans.

My one grandmother played a very important role in my life, I'm grateful to have known her. You sound as if you're doing a wonderful job of being a grandmother!

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» left by Priestess Kandi 1 year 192 days ago.
7 fans. Follow Priestess Kandi on twitter!

Thanks Jennifer. I have done the best I can to be the best "Nana" I can.

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