Another great way to be a supportive grandparent is to play with your grandchildren. This is something they may or may not get to do often with their parents, which can be a good thing in a way because it’s something special that you can share.
By playing with your grandchildren, you show them that play is still an important part of your life even though you are older. It teaches them that play should still be part of daily life, no matter how old you are. This keeps them connected with their inner child and helps them maintain a happy life.
The best part? There are all kinds of ways you can play with your grandchildren. With babies and toddlers you can have mutual tummy time (with babies) and play with blocks and other fun interactive toys. With older kids you can do crafts, cook or bake together, do art, write a story together, play with superheroes or barbie dolls, and other fun toys. As for teenagers, you can go ATVing or play a sport together, make fun videos for social media together, or even take a class to learn something together. You are bound to have fun and learn something new while playing with your grandchildren.
You can also have fun going out together. You can go to a concert, theater production, a traveling art exhibit (think The Van Gogh Experience), or a cat cafe with your older grandchildren.
For younger kids, you can go to museums or the planetarium, go swimming or hiking, volunteer somewhere, help plant a community garden, go to a favorite restaurant for a meal, or the local ice cream parlor for a treat.
There is no limit to the ways you can have fun with your grandchildren.
Your family is very important to you, especially as you grow older. Watching your kids raise their own kids can be a satisfying and interesting experience, especially if your parenting styles are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
However, you can still be a supportive grandparent. You must always remember love, respect, and listening are key elements. There may be times when you don’t want to do these things. When you start to feel like that, pause and reflect on a time when your kids did that to you and how it felt. This is not the time to do the same out of past frustration or spite. This will only damage your relationship, not help. Instead, listen, show love and respect, and always be involved in your grandkids’ lives. When you do these things, your relationships with your family bonds will be stronger and you will have fun experiences with everyone.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Milko
