GRAND Spring 2021 Vol. IV Ed. I

know a shy child if you’re the only one
to talk to.
To make the most of your time
together, tailor your activities to
your grandchild’s interests. Bring a
truck-crazed 4-year-old to a nearby
construction site; take a princessy
6-year-old to tea.
Take the lead
It’s your job to stay in touch with
your grandchild or grandchildren. If
you expect them to do it, you’ll be disappointed
and frustrated.
“It’s age-appropriate for kids to be
thoughtless about staying in touch. If
you want the relationship, you have
to be willing to do the work,” says
O’Neill.
Remember birthdays, of course, but
celebrate other special occasions as
well. Send Valentine’s and Halloween
cards, or host a valentine-making or
costume craft day if you live nearby.
parents. Listen and encourage them
to open up to you as much as possible.
Don’t limit telephone calls to specific
events like birthdays and holidays.
Instead, call throughout the year and
keep it light and fun.
The first day of school, a tryout, a
big game, or a playdate with a new
friend are all reason enough to get on
the phone. Use video calling if you
can—it can be more fun when you can
see each other.
Keep track of your grandchild’s interests,
the names they give new dolls
or stuffed animals, books they’ve been
reading—anything you can ask about
in the next conversation so they know
you’ve been paying attention.
Store and share family memories
The stereotype of the boring grandpa
who’s constantly talking about the
good old days has unfairly made many
older folks afraid to talk about family
Document these and other experiences
with photos and videos so your
grandchild remembers them.
Follow your grandchild’s milestones
closely and ask to be included if possible.
(“He just walked? Can I come
over and see?”) Acknowledge achievements,
from learning to ride a tricycle
to the fifth-grade science fair, and
request demonstrations.
Ask if you can bring artwork home
to put on the fridge. Attend sports
games, plays, and dance performances.
Cheer loudly, bring flowers,
and take everyone out for ice cream
afterward.
“As your grandchild grows up, she
will remember you as the grandparent
who was always there to cheer her on,
and that’s priceless,” says O’Neill. Remember,
this is your chance to do it all
over with just the fun parts.
Be your grandchild’s confidante
You’re an important outlet for your
grandchildren because you offer an
alternative perspective from their
26 GRAND grandmag.ca