Fun Activities to do with Grandchildren
“Children are the rainbow of life. Grandchildren are the pot of gold.” ~ Unknown
There is no denying the special bond that grandparents have with their grandchildren, but now science is saying the benefits go way beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling that goes both ways in this relationship. Studies indicate grandparents who spend quality time with their grandchildren can actually live longer. Furthermore, the grandchildren only gain emotional intelligence, but it nurtures their happiness, encourages positive social behavior, decreases depressive symptoms, encourages family history, new skill sets, and family bonds.
There isn’t really anything negative that can be said about spending time with grandchildren. Here are some fun ideas and tips to do with your grandchild to further cultivate your special bond.
Cooking or baking
Almost every family has a special family recipe or a recipe that reminds you of your childhood, perhaps a favorite cookie or pie. Sharing your recipe with your grandchildren can not only bring back memories but create precious new ones. Even if you can’t think of a family recipe to create together, simply baking basic chocolate chip cookies provides the perfect opportunity to express creativity and get children away from the screen! For starters try this yummy chocolate chip cookie recipe. Reading recipes and following directions step by step helps children improve basic skills such as reading and fractions.
Read a Book
Picking out a book together to read is special no matter what age you are. Even if you have teenaged grandchildren you can pick out an age-appropriate book to read simultaneously and share your thoughts and opinions about the book afterward. You can create your own special intimate book club together even if you don’t live close! Bond over the phone or via video chat. If you are lucky enough to live close, you can visit the library together and pick out books together. Consider making it an event and go out for hot chocolate or lunch together afterward.
Peruse Family Photos
You really can’t go wrong sharing family history with your grandchild. Dig out the old photo albums, dust them off and go through photos together. Your grandchild will most likely giggle at the fashion of your time, relish in going through photos of their mother or father when they were little and learn about their heritage and stories through your eyes. If you are lacking a recent photo with your grandchild consider a mini photoshoot, these are memories that will last a lifetime and a picture is worth a thousand words. You can put the new photo in an album together, or frame it. Regardless of what you do, it will become a cherished part of your relationship together as they grow.
Explore Nature
John Muir once said in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
Consider taking a walk together in nature, just be present, fill your senses with the sights and sounds of nature while you bond together. You’ll have so much fun you probably won’t even realize you’re doing both your mind and body good! If you have young grandchildren consider doing a scavenger hunt together.
Autumn Pointe Assisted Living prides itself on having a close-knit, family atmosphere. Autumn Pointe has three levels of assisted care to choose from at a clean and comfortable assisted living center. We can help you choose the level of assisted living care that is right for you, and we will also make suggestions when we think that the care level needs adjusting. Together, with you, we will come up with a plan to help with daily activities in order to help you keep a certain level of independence for as long as possible. To learn more about Autumn Pointe Assisted Living, please visit us online or give us a call at 402-468-4700.