5 Tips for Bonding With Your Grandchildren -

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5 Tips for Bonding With Your Grandchildren

As a grandparent, your most important duties include hugging, loving, and supporting your grandkids. Besides providing these fundamental needs, there are many more ways you can encourage your grandchildren’s healthy development. For one, you’re a teacher of both wisdom and values. You can also help your grandkids discover vital traits for their lifelong success, such as humor, honesty, and patience.

We know you want to be the best grandparent possible. Whether you spend a lot of time with the kids or simply want to know how to make the most of your moments together, we can help. Discover our tips for bonding with babies, toddlers, and children of all ages. After learning from each of these pointers, you’ll feel more helpful and confident as a grandma or grandpa. You’ll also help these precious little ones grow into healthy, happy adults.

Tips for Bonding

Play Outside Together

Outdoor play is not only healthy for your grandkids—you are sure to benefit from it, too. According to Care.com, spending time at the park or playground helps children get enough vitamin D, which is essential to their growth. Spending time outside is also an excellent source of relaxation and social interaction. While the kids enjoy showing you the ropes around the playground, you’ll reap the benefits of fresh air, oxygen, and your own daily dose of vitamin D. As Medical News Today mentions, this nutrient helps you absorb calcium and reduces your risk of developing certain diseases, heart problems, and osteoporosis.

Fun ideas for playing outside include taking a walk with the baby stroller, having a picnic on a blanket, or spending a few hours at the beach. You can also watch birds or look for interesting rocks and leaves. If you’d rather stay home, you can rest or run around in the yard. Your grandkids will have a great time, just as long as they’re busy and stimulated.

Try Something New

There is no better way to bond than to try something new together. If you’ve never seen a musical, visited the mountains, or baked a three-layer cake, now is the time to learn along with your grandkids. It doesn’t matter if no one is an expert. The important part is that you’re discovering a new skill or making a new memory.

Older kids are sure to remember the first time they visited a new state, watched their favorite sport, or listened to a famous music group. You’ll also have stories to share with friends and family. Consider picking up a souvenir along the way. Photos and videos will allow you to reminisce together at a later date.

Have a Chat

Grandparents can help children learn essential communication skills. Chatting is also an excellent bonding activity. Talk to babies while you go about the day. Frequent communication will help them learn new words and sounds. Toddlers will enjoy mimicking and chattering with you. They’ll also enjoy trying out sentences and learning new meanings to words.

If your grandchild is in grade school, try an in-depth conversation. Ask them how they’re doing in school, what’s new at home, or if they’re interested in any new activities. Your attention will make them more confident and increase their self-esteem. It may also inspire them to work harder in class or practice their hobbies. Let them steer the conversation, ask you questions or explain their favorite sport or subject. You may even learn something new yourself.

Use Technology

If you live far away from your family, you can still stay in touch. Now that technological devices and Wi-Fi are widely available, you can talk to your grandkids anywhere. Video chat by tablet or smartphone on the weekend after school. Text older kids to tell them you’re thinking of them—or schedule a weekly phone call with smaller children.

Other ideas include sending video messages that the kids can view later and making a commitment to share photos on a weekly or monthly basis. This strategy can help to keep the bond strong until you can meet in person. It’s also a great way for babies and toddlers to get to know their grandmother or grandfather.

Visit Frequently

Your grandkids are only young once, so visit as often as you can. Just remember to ask mom or dad before you head over or plan an outing. It’s also a good idea to offer to babysit. While you’ll get time to bond with the little ones, your son or daughter can enjoy some relaxation and quality time with their spouse.

Some long-distance families like to plan holidays or vacations together. As you look forward to a tropical cruise or end-of-the-year house visit, create a shared countdown calendar. Plan activities ahead of time so you can keep the conversation going and make the most of your time together. Trips and holiday parties are a great way to make lasting memories. You’ll also bond through new and exciting experiences.

Loving Your Role as Grandparent

If you’re spending the day with a baby boy or girl, make sure they have a bag packed with diapers, wipes, and a change of newborn clothes. A bodysuit with a pair of shorts or pants makes a convenient and cute outfit. Complete the look with a comfortable pair of socks and booties or shoes.

It’s impossible not to love your new role. Since the time together is so important, make sure you’re prepared with the right supplies. Being prepared with tips for bonding will make you more confident as grandma or grandpa. You’ll also find it’s easier to relax and enjoy your time with your precious little one.