I come from a working single mother household. That meant that Grandma and Grandpa “babysat” because my mom had to work when school was out for winter break or summer time.
Some of the fondest memories I have with my Grandma and Grandpa were made while spending time with them during school breaks. I consider myself “richly blessed,” as my grandpa would say, to have had my grandparents’ presence and influence in my life. My wish is for my children’s relationships with their grandparents to be as cherished as mine were.
So often, society shuns “old ways” and considers technology the “future.” However, I believe there is something wonderful about watching the old ways unfold into new experiences or traditions. Imagine how much a child could learn about life by disconnecting from their tablets and TVs and engaging with their elders.
There was nothing better than sitting in Grandma’s lap to read a classic storybook or sift through an encyclopedia. Or sitting in Grandpa’s lap in the “big chair” while he sipped hot tea and read the newspaper. Because I knew I would get the comics section when he was done with it, of course! Patience is a virtue.
I remember bird watching in the backyard and picking tomatoes from the vine when they were good and ripe. My grandpa and I would play catch for hours if you’d let us. And let’s face it, I was and never will be musically inclined, but my grandparents let me have a go at their piano anyway. I can recall the exact spot on Grandma’s floral couch where I sat with her and learned to crochet. What I wouldn’t give to sit there with her again.
Both my mom (Grandmommy) and my in laws (Granny and Pop) are out of town grandparents. While the distance is challenging at times, it has not stopped them from seeking quality time to make some great memories with their granddaughters. They all jump at the opportunity to come for school holidays or extended weekends to host what we have affectionately termed “Granny Camp.”
Some of their favorite activities and traditions with their grandparents are:
- Going museum hopping downtown
- Visiting the animals at the zoo or pet store
- Jumping together at Sky Zone trampoline park (Yes, Granny jumps with them!)
- Grabbing a scoop of their favorite flavor at the ice cream shoppe
- Baking a family recipe (or concocting a new one together)
- Playing beauty parlor
- Having a block building competition
- Spending an afternoon playing at the park
- Painting pictures to decorate the fridge
- Taking afternoon walks and bike rides
- Covering the driveway with chalk drawings
- Throwing bubble blowing parties
I love seeing what new and exciting adventures they have together. My girls’ faces light up when they talk about time spent with their grandparents and that makes my nostalgic heart incredibly happy.