We missed you Grandma

oh how WE mIssed you grandma

The love grandparents have for their grandchildren is incomparable. It’s a special love that knows no bounds and brings endless joy to both generations.

Grandparents not only love their grandchildren unconditionally but they enrich their lives in a way that no one else can.

Spending time with grandparents is one of the most rewarding experiences a child can have and can positively impact their lives, long into adulthood. Sadly spending time with grandparents hasn’t been possible lately, but we are all more than ready to make up for that now.

Grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. They are teachers, mentors, and loving companions who are there to guide and support every step of the way. A study has found that children who spend time with their grandparents experience fewer emotional and behavioural problems, compared to children who do not have grandparents involved in their lives. A close grandparent-grandchild bond has also been linked to a decrease in symptoms of depression in both age groups.

For children, being with grandparents is like stepping into a fairytale world. A magical place where they take centre stage and all of their wishes come true. Grandparents don’t have to worry about being providers or disciplinarians. Their role is to simply enjoy their time with their grandchildren and to care for them in the best way they can. Grandparents provide an escape from the rigours of daily life and can help take the pressure off tired and overworked parents.

Grandparents teach their grandchildren lessons that will stay with them for the rest of lives. They’ve lived through difficult times and overcome life’s biggest challenges. They understand the value of life and don’t sweat the small stuff. Grandparents are kind and patient and can be a wonderful source of support for children going through difficult times. They also have an amazing ability to convince their grandchildren to take to their advice when no one else can.

When grandchildren spend time with their grandparents, they are taken on a journey back in time. They learn about their family history, where they came from and the traditions that make their family unique. Grandparents love showing their grandchildren old photo albums and sharing recipes that have been passed on through the generations, and may even have old family heirlooms they would like to pass on.

Grandparents have a special connection to their grandchildren and love them in a way that no-one else can. By spending time with their grandparents, children learn valuable skills that will help them grow into confident and caring adults. But most importantly, children get to connect with their grandparents in a meaningful and heartfelt way and make beautiful memories that will last forever.

10 fun activities that grandparents can do with their grandchildren

Grow sunflowers – Plant sunflower seeds in a nice sunny spot in the garden. Tend your sunflowers whenever you’re together and take photos to remind you of your journey.

Make a memory book – Gather all your favourite photos of when you were together and stick them in a scrapbook. Write the date and place where the photo was taken so you can remember the special times you shared.

Paint a portrait – Set up a painting table and paint a portrait of each other. When your pictures are dry, sign and date them, then pop them in a special frame.

Bake something special – Teach your grandchildren how to make a treasured family recipe. Explain where the recipe came from and why it means so much to you.

Draw a family tree – Grab a sheet of cardboard and draw your family tree. Talk about your family history and explain who each of the people on the leaves are.

Share old photos – Pull out your old photo albums and flick through the pages. Tell your grandchildren about the people in the pictures and the story behind each photograph.

Collect shells – Spend the day at the beach collecting shells. When you get home wash the shells, then pop them in jar with a label saying when and where they came from.

Have a book day – Cuddle up with a pile of books and spend the day reading to each other. Make sure you introduce your grandchildren to classic stories from your childhood.

Go on a picnic – Pack a picnic with your grandchild’s favourite foods and head off to the park. Make sure you also bring a frisbee, ball, or kite to add an extra element of fun.

Make a nature mobile – Head outside and collect some treasures from the forest floor like sticks, pine cones, leaves, berries, nuts, acorns. Use a string to tie your treasures together and then hang them from the stick.

Find a hobby – Choose something that you would both enjoy doing and that you can do whenever you’re together. Building a birdhouse, a railway, or a model care are some popular options – but the list is really endless.

By Ashling Kwok. Ashling is an Australian children’s author and her debut picture book ‘Lola and Grandpa’ is available from Little Pink Dog Books and all leading bookstores. For more information, visit www.ashlingkwok.com.au