Take Time to Play!

As a grandparent, you already shower your grandchild with praise, love and support, but are you wondering how you can make visits with your grandchild even more special than they already are? The answer is simple. Take time to play! Being a grandparent is an excellent opportunity to experience childhood all over again. We all know one of the best things about being a kid is playtime! Here are some suggestions for making the most out of playtime with your grandchild.

Set up a toy box that will stay at grandma and grandpa's house. This way, you can guarantee there will be something to play with, without having to depend on parents to bring toys along. This toy box can include games, puzzles, toys and puppets. Even arts & crafts supplies like construction paper, markers or paint can make great additions to your grandchild's special toy box.

When your grandchild comes over to visit, having a variety of toys to choose from will surely inspire them to get creative. Ask them what activity they would like to do and then spend time doing it with them. Whether it's a board game, assembling a puzzle or working on a craft together, spending time playing with your grandchild lets them know you care.

Every so often, add something new to your grandchild's toy box.  It could be that new trendy board game or a fresh package of crayons. No matter what you add, finding something new to play with is a great surprise!  Your grandchild will likely want you to explore their new discovery with them. So accept their invitation and join in the fun. You'll be surprised at what you can learn about your grandchild simply by helping them draw a picture or exploring roles through puppet play. 

Aside from being fun, there are many benefits that come from playing. Playtime encourages children to explore and discover, provides context for new skills and makes learning both fun and enjoyable. Playing with your grandchild allows you to foster emotional and developmental growth as well. Some of these benefits include:

• Creativity
• Self-confidence
• Communication Skills
• Problem-solving
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Playing comes naturally to children. It is how they discover and learn about themselves, as well as other people around them. What better way to teach your grandchild about you, than to engage in rewarding playtime activities with them?  A grandparent who plays can take pride in knowing they are helping their grandchild on their way to a happy and successful future.  So let your imagination run wild, free your inner child and most importantly, don't be afraid to play with your grandchildren. 

Grand Tip:

Easy Outdoor Projects

There are lots of ways to explore the outdoors from outdoor cooking to walks in the park that can lead to interesting projects. Being outdoors is also a great opportunity to explore science; make a wind powered boat out of milk cartons and see how it floats or fly a kite and watch how the wind directs it. Add a camera or a magnifying glass and enjoy the adventure. Name that tree, name that bug and then scrapbook or journal your findings later.