Grandpa Richards Kids

I find that it is always interesting to observe my grandchildren, especially when they were pre-schoolers. Almost everything for them is a wonderful new experience and usually makes them smile ear to ear. My grandchildren are like a fresh start for me.

Grandparenting offers many of the joys and benefits of parenting, without many of the hassles, constraints, and day-to-day responsibilities. Don’t you find that your grandchildren are one of God’s greatest gifts? But there’s more to having grandchildren–that is, being a grandparent–than simply keeping track of them, which is hard enough.

TEACH

Take the opportunity to teach them healthy habits. The best time to start these lessons is when your grandchildren are young, before bad habits have a chance to form. One habit that I taught Jasmine is to always return things to their rightful place. If we don’t, I explained, then we might lose the item. Although she does not always practice this habit, she knows it in theory.

One day I was unable to find something I needed. Jasmine asked me what I was doing. When I explained, she stated, “Did you put it back Grandpa?”

Ouch!

TALK

Talk to your grandchildren about things, every day things. It is amazing the types of comments I get from Jasmine when I ask her questions. She can come up with some very interesting insight.

TELL

Tell your grandchildren stories. Not just from books. Jasmine even asked me one day to tell her stories about her mom. Now that was an interesting topic! As a grandparent you have a wealth of stories in you. Make them interesting and your grandchildren will ask for more.

BEFORE YOU GO

One last random comment. Keep a camera close at hand. You never know when your grandchild might do something interesting, and getting a photo helps that moment last a lifetime.