It can be hard for kids to connect with grandparents, especially given how different modern values are from just a couple of decades ago. However, there are some timeless ways that the younger and older generations can come together and bond to make lasting memories. From cooking and baking to active leisure time, here are some wholesome family suggestions.
Scheduling Time for a Story
Story time with parents is a wonderful way to connect with children, but there’s something magical about the tradition of grandparents sharing a story with younger generations. Most senior living facilities are open to visitation and often hold events such as storytime, where people from all generations can connect and make memories. From fictional entertainment to memories of historical events, no classroom can bridge generational gaps in the same way.
Cooking, Baking, and Other Kitchen Stuff
It’s surprising how many celebrity chefs cite their grandma or grandpa’s cooking as the inspiration for them being where they are now. Not only is cooking something that everyone can get involved in and bond over, but essential life skills can be handed down through generations, even the secret recipes that Nanna is still holding on to! Jokes aside, cooking and baking are two of the most wholesome activities that forge strong bonds that the children will appreciate.
Connect with Grandparents with Video Games
Recent surveys have found that between 25% and 50% of people aged 65 and over are active video gamers and further studies in the UK found that 42% of seniors use games as a way to bond with younger family members, making them among the most engaging and fun weekend activities for families. Older gamers can show the grandkids the games of their youth, and the kids can use modern games to see if grandpa and grandma have still got their gamer edge!
Booking Active Leisure Activities
Most older people continue to stay active well into their 60s,70s and 80s, and even beyond. Leisure activities are among the strangest ways for families to stay close and spend time with multiple generations. From toddlers to great grandparents, fun games such as bowling, theme parks, and even nature trails help everyone come together and have the kinds of times that make families stronger, while including grandparents in the things they’re still able to do.
Making Long-Distance Video Calls
Of course, some seniors begin to slow down, and not everyone is the active type. But that doesn’t mean anyone needs to be excluded. With modern technology, the kids can still keep up with their grandparents, even across vast distances. Video calling is free and is easier than ever to set up, so the children can still engage with their grandparents from another city, state, or country, and some assisted living facilities have well-maintained computer rooms for this.
Making time for stories, whether at home or at a care facility, is a popular way to help children connect with grandparents and keep family bonds strong. However, playing video games is also common among older people, and if there is distance between you, you can always video call.