Grandmas and grandpas...opportunity knocks! Ideas during COVID

They say you have never loved so unconditionally as when that first grandchild arrives. Your capacity for forgiveness increases, you let go of your critical and judgmental side and you laugh joyously and frequently.

And now???? Now you have an opportunity to spend more quality time with your "grands" as they are called. You may have to learn how to be part of a group going live on Instagram. I barged in on my granddaughter and her friends one day when I figured it out. Oops...not the right time. She just looked at the screen and when someone asked, "What's the matter?" her mouth dropped, and she just said, "It's my grandmother." Everyone immediately disappeared. Ha ha ha ha.......!

So while we are isolated let's take advantage of an opportunity to spend more time playing with, talking with, singing with, messaging, facetiming. Let's use the technology that's available to us. Set up a schedule, or a show and tell, or a teaching session. Let's present some options for every age.

Take some photos to share and don't forget to look at the post downstream about killing two birds with one stone. I am using just initials and no names. That is your choice. Please do not use identifying names, phone numbers, emails, or locations.

Ready.....set......go gramps.......this was the first time he got to take a walk in the forest with his new grandson. Biggest smile I have ever seen on that loving face,

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Good evening. My first "grands" share is to honor and applaud my 18 year old granddaughter who works as a manager of two Macha tea shops in downtown SD and Hillcrest. Two days ago when CA was "closed" she set up to serve take outs at the door, using a portable credit card machine and keeping everyone 6 feet apart. Then the owners came by and told her to let customers come in and sit because they probably wouldn't get caught. Miss CLH explained that the tables did not allow 6 feet between bodies and reiterated the Governor's regulation.

She thought about it, talked to her Mom and then called the owners and told them that what they were doing was unsafe and illegal and that she would not be a part of it. She would do take out only at another location with more room. Believe it or not, they agreed with her request. So....this 18 year old is a toughie. Her value system is strong and she backs it up.

In addition to that, she is quite the designer, wanting to use her affinity for STEM, especially computers and photography to make better, more aesthetically pleasing technologically perfect objects, even flashy princess dresses.

Your turn..............what can you share......how proud were you......did she really hit a home run?..........when are you facetiming or Zooming this week? What projects are you considering with the "grands".

Reach out........Chris

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Bravo to your granddaughter!

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How timely! This morning I texted a challenge to my son-in-law and almost-4-year-old grandson (I figure my daughter has her hands full with a one-year-old as well, and working from home). On my daily walk, I found 3 interesting things to photograph & sent pictures to them, with captions. They are to do the same later today, either in the yard or on a walk. After today, we will talk and decide how often to do this. I fully expect pics of rocks or puddles from my little guy. Tomorrow I will take pics of his Uncle Bop (my brother) building his new shed, and of nearby construction equipment.
Sue

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@sueinmn

How timely! This morning I texted a challenge to my son-in-law and almost-4-year-old grandson (I figure my daughter has her hands full with a one-year-old as well, and working from home). On my daily walk, I found 3 interesting things to photograph & sent pictures to them, with captions. They are to do the same later today, either in the yard or on a walk. After today, we will talk and decide how often to do this. I fully expect pics of rocks or puddles from my little guy. Tomorrow I will take pics of his Uncle Bop (my brother) building his new shed, and of nearby construction equipment.
Sue

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@sueinmn, That’s a winner. I wonder if my photographer granddaughter would participate. That might get her going. Thanks.
Be safe and protected.
Chris

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@sueinmn

How timely! This morning I texted a challenge to my son-in-law and almost-4-year-old grandson (I figure my daughter has her hands full with a one-year-old as well, and working from home). On my daily walk, I found 3 interesting things to photograph & sent pictures to them, with captions. They are to do the same later today, either in the yard or on a walk. After today, we will talk and decide how often to do this. I fully expect pics of rocks or puddles from my little guy. Tomorrow I will take pics of his Uncle Bop (my brother) building his new shed, and of nearby construction equipment.
Sue

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Sue, what a creative way to stay in touch while sharing a bit of nature between you and grand! Good idea.

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@fiesty76, @sueinmm, Here is one that my "grands" would love. I used to make pancakes into animals and they loved it. Did you do that? That was a favorite at the beach house where the kitchen was like Sue's tiny house.

Well, for this lady who wanted her grandson to eat eggs.....there was only one creative solution.....art.

May you find some simple joys today. Start with putting a smile on your face and feeling the change all the way to your heart.
Chris

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Chris, this is absolutely adorable!!! Can't draw a line with a ruler but I can admire with the best o'them!!! Do you hire out???? VBG

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Good afternoon. Are you anxious about the grandchildren you haven't heard from or seen recently? Have you tried Zoom or FaceTime?
Are you very anxious about the grandchildren you see every day? Are they beginning to show signs of boredom and apathy?
And for others, are you even glad you don't have grandchildren yet to worry about?

Jump down 2 posts for help with the answers.
And may you all be safe and protected.
Chris

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My grandson, known by many as the threenager for his attitude, has been having a tough time with isolation, Mommy trying to work from home, the general feelings of anxiety. Daddy found one tool - not rescuing son from self-made problems, but challenging him to figure it out. Recently he climbed too high on the playhouse, and Daddy let him figure out how to get down himself instead of lifting him down, giving him a huge feeling of control. My daughter captured it on video from inside, and it was hilarious to interpret all the gestures to figure out the dialog...
When he wanted something to hit yesterday he asked Mommy for his PlaDoh and pummeled it on the table for over an hour - and then was a calm boy. Mommy really appreciated that he wasn't bugging his little brother for that hour.
Our nearest neighbor has challenged their 8 year old to draw and write encouraging messages on the sidewalks - I'll try to get a picture on my morning walk.
And we Zoom every chance we get - sometimes just making silly faces, having a chat with the stuffed animals or reading books - like we would in a visit. In a normal year, they would be spending Spring Break with us right now, playing at the beach, so I'm doubly sad about this isolation.
Just trying to stay positive.
Sue

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@sueinmn

How timely! This morning I texted a challenge to my son-in-law and almost-4-year-old grandson (I figure my daughter has her hands full with a one-year-old as well, and working from home). On my daily walk, I found 3 interesting things to photograph & sent pictures to them, with captions. They are to do the same later today, either in the yard or on a walk. After today, we will talk and decide how often to do this. I fully expect pics of rocks or puddles from my little guy. Tomorrow I will take pics of his Uncle Bop (my brother) building his new shed, and of nearby construction equipment.
Sue

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Beautiful communication!

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