GRAND Fall 2021
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Fall 2021, Profile: Linda Rogers, poet, novelist, essayist and kid-at-heart; On-the Job Training: Learning from our grandchildren; 5 Photo Sharing Apps;Grandparent Giving: Financial help that makes a difference
Victoria Vancouver Island Grandparenting Magazine Fall 2021,
Profile: Linda Rogers, poet, novelist, essayist and kid-at-heart; On-the Job Training: Learning from our grandchildren; 5 Photo Sharing Apps;Grandparent Giving: Financial help that makes a difference
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<strong>GRAND</strong>parenting<br />
10 Things to Consider and/or Have<br />
on Hand Before Your Grandkids Visit<br />
Disclaimer: I am not a grandparent—yet!<br />
But I have worked with<br />
new parents for 30 years, and<br />
they have confided in me about the<br />
joys and struggles they have with their<br />
kids’ grandparents. To help grandparents<br />
adapt to their new role in a way<br />
that is satisfying to everyone, here are<br />
some things to keep in mind, tailored,<br />
mostly, for those with grandchildren<br />
ages 2–5.<br />
1. A Car Seat<br />
This is one of the aspects of childcare<br />
that has changed the most in the<br />
last 30 years. It is now recommended<br />
to have children in a car seat or booster<br />
seat until they are about 9 years<br />
old, depending upon their weight and<br />
height. The law states that car seats<br />
should stay rear-facing until children<br />
are one year old, but it is safest for<br />
toddler and pre-schoolers to remain<br />
in a rear-facing car seat for as long as<br />
possible. (bcaa.com/community/childcar-seat-safety).<br />
Having a proper car<br />
seat will make your visit with your<br />
grandchild easier and more fun. So<br />
will knowing how to install and use it.<br />
There are so many beautiful places to<br />
explore and adventure on our beautiful<br />
Island!<br />
2. A Yes-Zone<br />
Grandparents’ houses are good<br />
places for children to learn how others<br />
live, and how to behave in a home<br />
that is not their own. It is a good idea<br />
to set boundaries about what kids can<br />
touch, where they put their shoes,<br />
and which rooms they can go into.<br />
But it will make your time together<br />
so much more pleasant if there is also<br />
a yes-zone: a part of your house or<br />
apartment where nothing is off-limits.<br />
Perhaps declutter your living room so<br />
that everyone can hang out together<br />
without anyone being worried about<br />
the kids getting at your priceless Ming<br />
vase or original Rembrandt. When the<br />
adults can relax, the kids have more<br />
fun, and you can all work on developing<br />
a real and meaningful relationship.<br />
3. Outdoor Time<br />
One of the best ways to deal with<br />
kids who are getting a little grumpy is<br />
to take them outdoors. But do a little<br />
reconnoitering before-hand. Find the<br />
best parks, beaches, and playgrounds<br />
near you. If you are living in the home<br />
where you brought up your kids, you<br />
may know some of those destinations.<br />
But some may have changed! And if<br />
you are living in a new place, you will<br />
need to start from scratch. Chat with<br />
some new parents in your neighbourhood<br />
to get their recommendations.<br />
4. Bath Time<br />
The other best way to cheer up a<br />
grumpy child is to put them in water.<br />
Of course, you might take them swimming,<br />
but that’s a lot of work—and<br />
18 Grand grandmag.ca