Island Parent Magazine Dec-Jan 2023

failures, successes, and lots of laughter. As grandparents, we
are modelling that we are still learning too. We love to hear
their suggestions and ideas when problems inevitably arise.
We want our grandkids to know we think they are smart and
innovative (and they can learn a lot from us, too).
If you don’t live near your grandchildren, perhaps you can
all take an online course together, watch the same Netflix
show, or help them with their homework over FaceTime.
Let your grandkids know how much you enjoy their company.
We tell our boys they can talk to us about anything—
YouTube, friendships, alcohol, sports, love. We try to be
non-judgmental and create a safe space for them to share.
They can come to us for advice or support even in times when
it’s hard for them to talk with their parents. We appreciate
them as teenagers and love who they are trying to become.
Offer to drive them places. While this seems simple, the best
conversations often happen in the car! It’s also a fantastic opportunity
to get to know their friends, if they come along for
the ride. We often offer to stop for a slice of pizza or a Starbucks,
as this creates more shared time together.
WORDS FROM MY BOYS…
Jackson (aged 16): It’s easy to talk to Nana and Papa because
they take an interest in me. I can talk to Nana about fitness
and Papa loves soccer. Papa is one of my best friends. I talk to
him almost every day. If you don’t share an interest with your
grandkids, you can try to learn a little. Maybe watch a You-
Tube video or watch their favourite TV show. That way you
have something to ask them about.
My grandparents are cool people. They have lots of interesting
friends and they have cool experiences, so I like to ask them
about what’s going on in their lives. They tell great stories and I
like talking to them.
They’re also really fun. They invite me to do cool things with
them, like go on the boat, play soccer-golf or go quadding. I like
hanging out with them.
Chase (aged 13): I know Nana and Papa care about me because
they call regularly. They know my friends’ names and they ask
about them. They know my interests. Nana asks what I’m reading,
and Papa asks about soccer. They’re also fun to be around.
They laugh and smile a lot. I like that.
Connecting with teens isn’t always easy. They can be moody,
unpredictable, and hormonal. The world they live in is very
different from when you were their age, and this may be challenging
to relate to at times. Despite their occasional standoffish-ness,
teens want what everyone else wants: to be seen,
heard and loved. So push through your grandchildren’s prickly
demeanor to show them how much you value and enjoy their
company. When grandparents and teens connect, it brings joy
and vitality to all!
Kelly Cleeve is a best-selling author and an
educator. More importantly, she is the proud
parent of two amazing sons. Visit kellycleeve.
com or follow her on Instagram
@resilient_kel and Facebook – Raising
Resilient Children/Radiant and Resilient.
Where there’s a Will,
there’s a way…
A gift in your Will
is a promise today
of care for tomorrow.
To learn how you can support the future
health of Island children, contact
legacy@islandkidsfirst.com
or scan
Island kid Ephraim
Champions for the health of every Island family since 1926.
IslandParent.ca
December/January 2023 45