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

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Mar 21, 2020

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.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Nov 15, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "Here's a holiday tip - from my nephew, who at 49 is a grandfather of 4...." + (show)
@sueinmn

Here's a holiday tip - from my nephew, who at 49 is a grandfather of 4.

He had a very tumultuous early life, and my parents home was his sanctuary, with his own "stuff" there - which had to stay because his parents moved often & got rid of everything just about every time they relocated. One of his prized possessions was a small yellow Teddy named "Spare Bear." When his family moved out of state Spare Bear stayed behind to be loved by all his younger cousins, and finally went to assisted living with my Mom to remind her of her firstborn grandchild.

When Grammy died, I passed Spare Bear to his original owner, a struggling Dad of 4. Today he sent me a message that Spare Bear is now with his oldest granddaughter, aged 3, who is having a tough time accepting a new sibling. He thanked me for the memories, and for making sure he got his beloved bear.

So, if you have kids or grands struggling in these hard times, look around and see if there is an old favorite toy, blanket, quilt or afghan they might like as a memento. And maybe write a note about those times in the past to go with it.
Sue

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@sueinmn Sue, What a wonderful family tradition. Something to remember.

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 16, 2020
In reply to @sueinmn "Here's a holiday tip - from my nephew, who at 49 is a grandfather of 4...." + (show)
@sueinmn

Here's a holiday tip - from my nephew, who at 49 is a grandfather of 4.

He had a very tumultuous early life, and my parents home was his sanctuary, with his own "stuff" there - which had to stay because his parents moved often & got rid of everything just about every time they relocated. One of his prized possessions was a small yellow Teddy named "Spare Bear." When his family moved out of state Spare Bear stayed behind to be loved by all his younger cousins, and finally went to assisted living with my Mom to remind her of her firstborn grandchild.

When Grammy died, I passed Spare Bear to his original owner, a struggling Dad of 4. Today he sent me a message that Spare Bear is now with his oldest granddaughter, aged 3, who is having a tough time accepting a new sibling. He thanked me for the memories, and for making sure he got his beloved bear.

So, if you have kids or grands struggling in these hard times, look around and see if there is an old favorite toy, blanket, quilt or afghan they might like as a memento. And maybe write a note about those times in the past to go with it.
Sue

Jump to this post

@sueinmn What a beautiful idea, Sue!

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