Lockdown- have we been forgetting the grandparents?

Everyone is talking about the Christmas advert by SuperValu Supermarket. If you haven’t seen it then you must. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0eP-PgkVyo

 Not only did the advert leave me with tears in my eyes (John Lewis has some stiff competition) it made me reflect on how important it is to maintain close bonds between our children and our parents, if we are lucky enough to have them.

Why are grandparents so special?

Grandparents have become integral to the modern family unit as they are increasingly being asked to provide essential childcare for working parents. The famous saying, ‘It takes a community to raise a child.’ is as relevant today as it has ever been. Even the research proves how amazing they are!  Moorman and Stokes (2014) found that children who had positive relationships with their grandparents when growing up, were less likely to be depressed in later life. That has definitely given me food for thought.

Over the last few months, I have managed to remain in regular virtual contact with my Dad and his wife, despite the restrictions, although he may well dispute the word ‘regular’. We speak on the phone, exchange humorous memes and play Trivial Pursuits on Zoom.

However, it dawned on me recently that I tend to do a lot of this when my children are at school or otherwise occupied. As a result, they have been missing out on opportunities to connect with their grandparents and I hadn’t even realised it.

Child-friendly activities to share with grandparents

So, with this in mind, I have put together a list of child friendly activities to lift the spirits of grandparents and grandchildren everywhere.

Photos

I’m sure you send photos of your kids to your parents all the time but I wonder whether they are limited to when you’re doing something particularly interesting or remarkable. Why not try sending the more everyday ones also? Just a little reminder that you’re thinking of them.

 Selfies and filters

Kids love a selfie and there are so many apps available now that allow the children to add frames, funny moustaches and even alien antennae to their videos and photos. Challenge them to style and send their own selfie. I bet they’d love seeing Grandad as a Martian!

 Online chats

Warning! In my experience, kids get bored very quickly; they’re just not very good at small talk.  This means that online chats can be a bit chaotic or filled with awkward silences. However, if you keep it brief and regular you could be on to a winner.

 Virtual games

How about a game of virtual snakes and ladders? You can set it up with just the one board if you have an extra camera or video device. There are also many online quiz platforms like Kahoot that work well with slightly older children. The possibilities are endless.

 Old fashioned correspondence

Do any of us even write letters anymore? With schools closing in many areas, parents are having to juggle some online learning with work. Why don’t you kill two birds with one stone and ask your child to write a postcard, letter or email to their grandparents. I am sure that they’d be thrilled with the reply that lands on the doormat

 Digital walks

Just because we can’t go out for regular, socially distanced, walks at the moment it doesn’t mean we can’t bring our loved ones along with us. Have you ever thought of live streaming your walk to the woods? I probably need to add a health and safety disclaimer here somewhere: be sure to mind the trees, lampposts and roads etc while recording!

 Books

This one is my personal favourite. Snuggle up and share a favourite poem or story. This is one I’d definitely like to try.

Now it’s your turn!

My family really miss our visits to Nanny and Grandad, so I am determined to innovate with some fun alternatives! Why don’t you have a go and let me know how you get on?

If you have a family member who is feeling alone or isolated Age Uk are a fantastic charity that can support them.