Having a Grand Time
One of the greatest perks of being a grandparent is the ability to love unconditionally without the responsibly that comes with parenting. It is all about enjoying, creating bonds and building long-lasting memories. Here are some ideas where both grandparents and grandchildren have a chance to teach and learn from one another:
1. Connect using social media
An increasing number of seniors are using social media sites to connect with family and friends. According to Statistics Canada, 36 per cent of people using social media are over the age of 65. Staying up-to-date with what’s going on in the lives of busy grandchildren has never been easier.
Book at time to sit with your grandchild at the computer on their next visit and create a Facebook profile. Ask your grandchild to teach you how to:
- Set up an account to follow all the people you care most about
- Post your own memories and photos to share with your family
- Comment on photos so your family can enjoy your reactions to their activities (remember comments are public, so don’t say anything too personal)
- Use stories (post one together to share memories of a fantastic day)
- Search and follow people, brands, causes of interest
2. Create a family recipe book
Family recipes are something to treasure. Documenting recipes to be passed down through generations is a grand way to keep legacy alive. With technology, it’s easy to document the recipes step by step as they are in the process of being made. This can also be done with pen and paper, but using a computer may make it easier to share with more people and keeps the information safe.
Collect the recipes and add the following information for each:
- Name of recipe
- Name of person who created it
- Brief description of where it came from
- List of ingredients including quantities
- Cooking directions
- Number of people it serves
- Any tips and tricks used to give it that family touch
3. Plant a garden along with long-lasting memories
By nurturing a garden, more than just plants can grow. Cultivating curiosity through plants can help educate children and adults on the environment and the importance of the relationship between ourselves and the earth on which we live. It’s also a great way to bond over a task that requires teamwork, getting messy, and most importantly love.
Things to consider:
- Determine what type of plants make sense for you. Do you want it to bear fruit? Or do you want it to add extra colour or beauty?
- Identify the optimal location: Gardens must be in direct sunlight and needs access to water
- Ensure the garden is easily accessible for maximum enjoyment and care
- Keep it small so it can be better maintained
4. Put together a family photo album
The younger generation thinks of printed photographs and disposable cameras as a foreign concept now that there are iPhones and digital cameras. Pulling out the box of old photos is a great way to take a trip down memory lane and provides the history and context of life before the grandkids were born. Pick up a photo album together before sorting through all the photos, then enjoy the laughs from seeing pictures of when grandpa used to have hair.
Label the backs of the photos with the names of the people in the photo and the date and place when it was taken. Be creative on how to organize the photographs so it is meaningful to your family.
This can include:
- By date
- By age
- Family trips
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Special events
With so much to do and learn from each other, time spent with grandchildren is indeed precious. Let us know if you have any other special ways to spend your time together!