Based on two dozen interviews of caregivers, experts, grandparents, grandchildren and media sources, here are some recommendations for helping grandchildren and grandchildren relate.
Sitting: Unless your parent needs frequent medication or falls frequently, a teenager can be a fine sitter for his or her grandparent. Entrust them with responsible tasks such as making coffee or tea, pouring juice or water, or serving an earlier-prepared lunch. Conversely, unless the grandparent has some mental or serious physical disability, he or she could accept a weekly role as sitter for a few hours for a grandchild, gaining a mission to anticipate and fulfill, while also enjoying the time, chatting, game playing or project building.
Today's Question: One of the worst questions an elder can ask a grandchild is "How was school today," because the simple answer is one word, "okay," and does not invite further discussion. Instead, suggest that your parent and his or her grandchild have the same question for each other in a visit. Questions that open further two-way sharing may include: "What's the best thing you learned today (or this past week)?" "What can I tell you about me?" Or: "What do you need to know today but you don't have enough information?" The grandparent, therefore, opens himself or herself to learning from the child, and the child delights in providing an answer and having an elder listen.
Puzzles: Solving puzzles is a mutual and enjoyable challenge for both grandparent and grandchild. Crossword and picture puzzles are available in a wide range, from very simple to challenging, so that children of most ages can participate and, teamed with the grandparent, can share in the success of solution. Persons interviewed for this feature recommend against attempting Sudoku "numbers" puzzles as too daunting to most children, even those in their teens.
Reading to Each Other: The grandparent can read to the child, particularly descriptive stories that create visions in mind. The grandchild can read to the elder anything from school or, perhaps, a favorite book which makes reading or speaking aloud easier and better for the youth. The process of reading aloud to each other may take a total of only 20 minutes, but should be a time of joy long remembered by both elder and younger.
Television: There is much to discover on television, and it is not on the major networks. As an example, a grandparent can introduce a grandchild to a pops concert to not only to listen to the fine music but to teach the younger to identify the musical instruments. One grandparent created a game in which the child wins a prize, such as piece of candy, when he or she can name 10 instruments being featured on the screen while, alternatively, identifying the instruments by the sound and tone in hearing.
Movie Time: An alternative is in sharing a periodic or even regular movie time that introduces earlier, classic films. The grandchild should be able to both understand and enjoy the films while also learning yesteryears from autos to clothing styles, also a gain for the present as well as his or her future. Have the popcorn ready for each screening. Or, grandchildren can introduce grandparents to their favorite modern movies.
Family History Book: Find your parent's stash of old photos and mementos and place them in a single box or stack. The child can help the grandparent sort the memorabilia while the elder tells a bit of the history, time and people. If you have an all-in-one computer printer, the grandchild can copy or screen each of the items and then assemble the copies into an album format. The younger can make hand notes, even as dictated by the grandparent, to identify each of the photographs or items. When completed, the album may be copied as gifts to other family members so that they, too, learn of their family history and times of importance to the grandparent.
Internet and E-mail: Don't let geographic distance limit quality time between grandchildren and grandparents. The internet, email, even online videos are great way for the generations to stay connected. The web is also a great way to keep track of family history. Or, if you parent does lives nearby, but does not yet use a computer, a teenage grandchild can teach the elder. You are relieved of the task, while the grandchild will probably be elated to teach what he or she has learned about the tech world. Once taught, your parent can communicate with other family members and friends and remain mentally active by accessing sites and sources of interest. Plus, e-mail can be the first and regular line of communication from grandparent to grandchildren in other cities or even foreign countries.
Travel: If your parent can travel with assistance, consider an older teen grandchild as his or her travel companion. Cruise travel is ideal, even for an elder in a wheelchair or using a walker or cane. There are now several operators of travel tours specifically for grandparents with a grandchild or two. The experience will open the world to the younger while providing quality time for both elder and younger plus the full programming and assist of professional staff. The grandchild should also gain an increase in responsibility that will serve him or her well into the future.
Hugs: This may be a first priority in the relationship of grandparents and grandchildren. Hugs at the start and end of each visit are important for both elder and younger. If the child is a bit reluctant to offer a hug in early visits, lift a small one so that the grandparent can start the hug. If your parent is physically limited and the grandchild is small, get a step stool so that the younger can ascend to the grandparent's lap to present a hug. The hug is a magical and memorable moment for your parent plus, now and in later memory, something very special for the grandchild.
Take a break from your possible tedium and stress in caregiving by enlisting your parent's grandchild or grandchildren for regular assistance. Then be ready to witness the joy of their sharing.
Leonard J. Hansen is the nation's pioneer in writing and editing to, for and about mature adults. He has received 106 professional awards and fellowships for his creative work. Access his website at
www.lenhansen.com
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