Entertaining the Grandkids

Enjoying time well spent together

Spending time with grandchildren is a joyful thing to do. If you’re like most grandparents, you’ll want that time to be memorable and special. The best way to ensure that the kids aren’t bored is to have fun activities planned. Here are some tips for entertaining the grandkids:

1. Ask them what they enjoy, then make it happen. A child who likes to read will delight in a trip to the bookstore or library where they can select a book to read. A child who is fascinated by animals and nature would enjoy an excursion to a natural history museum or zoo. And a child who enjoys art would have fun attending an art museum exhibit or a painting or pottery class. Grandparents can use these outings as opportunities to bond with their grandchildren.
2. Pick a reason to celebrate and throw a party! Whether it be a recent birthday or a special event like an Olympic watch party, find a great reason to have fun. Decorate, play music, dance, and eat cake! It’s all about entertainment and having a great time!
3. Select out of the ordinary activities. Kids don’t like to sit still, so it’s important to plan age-appropriate activities that are entertaining, educational, and fun. Play games, go for a walk in nature somewhere new, or let the kids help you pick fresh veggies or berries from the garden. It’s all about staying active and enjoying the experience of doing something interesting.
4. Spend time in the kitchen. Kids love to eat yummy treats. Above all, they enjoy taking pride in the creations they help make. Rather than heat up the kitchen with a hot oven in summertime, enjoy making refreshing malted milkshakes or ice cream sundaes together. Kids can help scoop and garnish their ice cream with fancy toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, whipped cream, gummy bears, and more!
5. Cozy up & read a good book or watch a favorite movie. Reading together or watching a movie with grandchildren is a great way to bond. Reading is particularly important for child development. Per Pan MacMillan, “A report from the National Institute of Education found that reading aloud to children is the single most important activity leading to their success in, and love of reading, and for older people sharing a book is a wonderful way to bond and create memories with young ones.”Kids will also have fun watching age-appropriate movies with their grandparents, laughing together, eating popcorn, enjoying movie themes and characters, and conversing over content.

Grandparents are treasures

Grandparents are special people in grandchildren’s lives, possessing unique abilities to make kids feel special, safe, and loved. Grandparents can bond with grandchildren by tapping into what the kids love, throwing a party, doing something out of the ordinary, spending time in the kitchen, or cozying up to a book or movie. Grandparents have the gift of being positive influences in the upbringing of grandchildren, taking on roles as loving mentors and just fun people to be around. Entertaining the grandchildren is exciting for all. Most importantly, the quality time grandparents offer will earn special places in their grandkids’ hearts.