Lockdown Grandparenting

Guest blogger, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. Connecting with grandchildren in the midst of a pandemic and lockdowns can be challenging, but can creatively be done. Watch for more ideas from Carol in future posts on Faith First Parent. And please share with your family and friends! 

Lockdown Grandparenting

COVID-19 has caused isolation and separation for many families. Fear of spreading the virus to seniors has resulted in family members staying away from grandma and grandpa. No matter how your family is handling the lockdown and social isolation, maintaining relationships is vital. Honestly, grandparenting is essential!

So how does a grandparent do that? Grandpa Fred took this time as an opportunity to connect with his grandkids in a unique way. His grandchildren were out of school for months. He challenged them to write one-page essays on historical characters and email the essays to him. He loves reading their perspective and also seeing their writing skills improve.

Telephone, email, text, social media, and of course, the U.S. Postal Service are available continue connecting with the grandkids. Use these ideas from grand seniors to get your own creativity flowing.

• Cut funny cartoons from the newspaper and send one a week in a bright red envelope to the grandchildren.
• Ship painting supplies to the grandkids with an invitation to an art class via Zoom. At the designated time, start the class with grandma and grandpa as the art instructors. Paint pictures from the bible stories like Creation to help the children to see God has a plan, even in a pandemic.
• Take time to write stories of how it was when you were growing up to help grands understand challenges are part of life.
• Text scripture to tweens and teens. Philippians 4:6 is a great verse to start.
• Use FaceTime on your cell phone to make masks for everyone in your grandchild’s family.
• Send a package of fun smelling hand sanitizer to the grandkids.
• Simply text grandchildren a heart and a message, “I miss being with you, but I know we will have fun in the future!”

There are many unique and creative ways to connect with grandchildren. How will you connect with your grandchildren during the COVID-19 lockdown? Remember, grandparenting is essential!

© 2020 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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