Are you at a loss for ideas to engage your grandchildren and build on your relationship? In this age of nonstop digital entertainment, we need to be intentional in our role as grandmothers. I hope you will find at least one or two ideas that will inspire your creativity and present more opportunities for meaningful conversation.
- Review with your grandchildren some of your favorite memories or funny moments you shared together. Try to avoid retelling the same story too often.
- Share with your grandchildren what you like or appreciate about them in a card and mail it. No matter their age, they will cherish your words of affirmation.
- Support in tangible ways any special talents or interests that your grandchild has shown. Not sure what interests him/her? Ask.
- Allow your relationship to evolve. What a grandchild enjoyed at age five is not the same at fifteen. Teens want their time and space respected, but stay involved. They need you, just not in the same way.
- Pass down your Christian values by sharing your own life lessons with your grandchildren. They’re interested in your past but may not think, or have the courage, to ask.
- Stay connected with your older grandchildren by sending the occasional short text to let them know you are praying for them, being mindful not to send it during their school or work hours.
- Plan a special outing with each child, making sure every one of your grandchildren have their turn at spending time alone with you. Think outside the box. Plan a day trip, a train ride, a mystery dinner theatre, etc. If they are little, a trip to the dollar store with $3 is euphoria.
- Share any positive similarities between your grandchildren and your son or daughter when they were young. This is a good way to remind your grandchildren that their parents were kids too.
- Pray for wisdom to handle challenging moments or conflicts with your grandchild, while maintaining a loving relationship. If possible, pray with them about the issue, but don’t preach in your prayer!
- Discuss and take an interest in your grandchildren’s hopes and dreams for their future. Support them, and encourage them to seek God’s path for their lives.
- Let them know you pray for them. Ask if there is a specific matter you can pray about. This is especially important in staying connected to your teenage grandchildren.
- Share the family tree. Let them see they are part of a family of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. Giving them an overview of their heritage teaches them that family is important.
- Read aloud character-building stories that generate faith in your grandchild. Use these opportunities to communicate foundational truths in a way they can grasp and apply.
- Share godly advice and wisdom with your grandchildren. When they have a question, a decision to make, or an issue to resolve, share the Scriptures that address the matter, and don’t wait to be asked.
- Be a supportive grandparent while respecting the decisions of the child’s parents. This one can be hard when it comes to discipline or matters of faith. But you have prayer at your disposal.
- Pass down family stories, traditions, and values to your grandchildren. This will give them a sense of connectedness. And, like parables, your stories will often include a life lesson.
- Celebrate special occasions or milestones in your grandchildren’s lives. This can be anything you want to celebrate. Be creative.
- Use opportunities to share how being a grandparent has brought joy and fulfillment to your life. (If you’re grumpy or negative or complaining whenever the grandchildren are around, this one won’t work.)
- Share with your older grandchildren about your own spiritual journey. It’s important that the relationship is two-way. Let them learn about you, as well as learn from you.
- Tell your grandchildren of a time when God met a specific need—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Don’t miss opportunities to brag on God to your grandchildren.
- Do your little ones ever stay overnight? Pray with each one individually when you tuck them into bed. They will remember and treasure this practice, and likely do the same with their children.