Beech Tree News Network

Each summer I have one day a week with my granddaughters. They’re old enough that I don’t consider our time together as baby sitting – it’s more about enjoying the day together. Like most grandparents, I want them to have a good time.

On Helpguide.org, Jeanne Segal and Lawrence Robinson authored an article about grandparenting. To be a better grandparent, they made four suggestions: spend quality time with grandchildren, spend leisure time together, spend time outdoors, and plan activities around something you or your grandchildren like. To make the most of your grandparenting time, the authors suggested planning some one-on-one time, making trips to enjoy such things as museums and parks, playing games together, and communicating family history, like the games your children played when they were young. Engaging in activities connected to something that one of you enjoys helps to build the relationship. Making an effort to slow down and enjoy activities allows children the needed space to express themselves. Children love the outdoors, and simple outside activities entertain them. Sharing stories about your interests or your work and letting your grandchildren share their interests and knowledge about those areas builds understanding between you (http://www.helpguide.org/articles/grandparenting/how-to-be-a-better-gran...). The Segal and Robinson article provided very reasonable advice.

Most adults have an opinion about grandparenting. Some of those thoughts are listed below (http://www.quotegarden.com/grandparents.html):
•    Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete.  -Marcy DeMaree
•    My grandkids believe I’m the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them, I believe it, too.  -Gene Perret
•    Elephants and grandchildren never forget.  -Andy Rooney
•    Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven’t thought of yet.  -Gene Perret
•    Just about the time a woman thinks her work is done, she becomes a grandmother.  -Edward H. Dreschnack

Recently, much of the granddaughter-day time has been connected to food, movies, reading, swimming, and pretend games. Later in the summer, I plan an outdoor activity and a couple of close-to-home trips. They like our local library (and love Mrs. Tammy) and would also enjoy time at a movie theater or a playground. They are not hard to entertain. For example, they can “pretend” with the best! Not long ago, I overheard one say something a bit rude to the other. I questioned her and she replied, “But, Granny, she told me to say that.” To my surprise, both girls explained that they were “pretending” (My late husband would have delighted in hearing that exchange.).

Someone once said, “A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend” (http://www.quotegarden.com/grandparents.html). My summer granddaughter-days are important. As they grow, I want them to store away good memories of these lazy summer days.