As an Amazon Services LLC Associate, some of these items contain affiliate links, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are made to be genuinely helpful and useful.
L.A.S.T.I.N.G. Grandparenting
What are you Passing On?
Our youngest granddaughter turned one last weekend. She still seems so tiny, but compared to the pictures we scrolled back to from a year earlier, she has grown so much. Honestly, there are days I feel like that regarding my own kids! It seems like not that long ago, they were the ones having first birthdays, and showing off their new skills to whoever would watch.
I was told back then that time would go fast, and I was told that as I got older it would go faster yet. In the midst of it all I don’t think I believed it. But they were right. And it causes me to think all the more about what I am passing on.
Back to the Basics
Now this post is definitely not meant to be all doom and gloom! Rather, it is just a back to the basics reminder of ways grandparents can influence and create memories with their grandkids.
We use the acronym L.A.S.T.I.N.G. and we believe the best way to take LASTING action is to be consistent, mindful and spontaneous. You literally have an unending buffet of opportunities! Â
What is L.A.S.T.I.N.G.?
Let’s do a little refresher of LASTING opportunities. As you read through the list below, pause for a moment to think of the ways you can implement each area into your relationship.
L = Learn
We have skills and knowledge our grandkids (and sometimes our grown kids) need. How fun is it to teach someone to make a simple meal, tie some knots, or plant a garden? What is it that you can teach your grandkids?
A = Active
While distance can make this one a little bit tough, spending time just doing things with the grandkids provides incredible memories. Many of my recreational moments happen via zoom or FaceTime.
Paperball is a simple (yet really fun) game our family made up and loves to play virtually. You can read how to play here.
S = Story
We need to tell our stories! Our grandkids can learn so much about their family’s history through our tales of the past. They don’t have to be long and drawn out, especially for younger kids.
Last year I wrote a blog post you might find helpful in this area. Check out The Most Important Story to Tell Your Grandkids here!
T = Talk
Our grandkids need seasoned adults in their lives. People who are a layer removed from their parents who are on the job 24/7. Grandparents are the perfect fit! Having ‘everyday’ conversations with your grandkids is so important. Also, weaving desirable character traits, and faith (depending on your family’s beliefs, of course) into your conversation in a natural way opens the door for continued dialogue on tough subjects in the future.
I = Invest
The stories of my husband’s grandma teaching us about managing money have lived on in our lives for over 34 years now, and will continue to influence us and impact us into our retirement years. Helping our grandkids understand what it means to be money smart, and quite honestly how to invest their time and talents as well, will help them for years to come!
Want to be more confident talking about money with your grandkids? Checkout 3 Ways Grandparents Can Teach Financial Health.
N = nurture
Who shows love better, or offers more encouragement than a grandparent? This one’s easy for us! Sometimes though in our quest for nurturing our grandkids we forget about our grown kids. Don’t let your relationship with your grandkids be your sole focus. An encouraging and healthy atmosphere for your entire family is key! Read more about Creating a Healthy Place for Your Family to Grow here.
G = Gather
As grandparents we have a unique opportunity to help a grandchild understand their place in the family and to help them know what it looks like to develop familial relationships across generations. BINGO is one of our favorite games to play virtually and in-person we are going through a huge Cootie phase right now. Whether it’s playing a game, sharing a meal, virtually or in-person, gathering the family all together helps develop relationships across generations.
We are so grateful for your commitment to grandparenting. At Over the River we are committed to sharing tips and ideas for all of these areas, and hope that they will help you build a LASTING relationship with your grandkids and create moments that turn into memories.
I am happy to have some of these ideas helping to connect with my grands. Fortunately (for now) mine are close but still playing a game virtually is a great idea!!! I look forward to reading more and getting more involved day today day. Thank you.
Our pleasure! Hope you enjoy gathering some ideas for both in-person and virtual fun with your grands!