Feature
Articles - Aging
Grandparents: The World's Best Gift
University of Missouri Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia
Expecting the family to visit during the holidays? Having the grandchildren come to visit is exciting, but it can also be a challenge. How do you get a toddler to warm up to you? What can you do to prevent your treasured objects from damage? A little advanced preparation can help.
When talking to young children, use common sense. Try to get
down to their level--sit down or bend over; don’t tower above
them. Don’t use baby talk or gush over them. You remember a
toddler from his last visit as an infant, but he doesn’t
remember you. Hugs and kisses from an adult the child doesn’t
recognize can be uncomfortable and even frightening for the
child. Go slow, simply smiling and saying hello until they feel
more at home. Even older children, teens especially, may not be
comfortable with too much physical contact. A pat on the
shoulder may be all they want.
Children love to hear stories about their parents as children.
Use this opportunity to share your family history and pass along
holiday traditions.
Children have lots of energy, and being cooped up indoors with
family all day may stretch their limits. You have a right to not
have them jumping on your furniture, but they need a chance to
let off some steam. For lengthy visits encourage some time out
of doors or suggest a trip to the park. Tell them to bring their
skates and let them roller blade in the garage.
For children’s safety and your own sanity, do a little house
proofing before the kids arrive. Put your most valuable
breakables out of reach. Talk to the parents about ways you can
make your home more safe and enlist their help. For example,
they may be able to bring along a gate that keeps a toddler from
climbing the stairs.
Originally published in
Silver
Threads
Last update: Thursday, October 25, 2007
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