Feature Articles - Aging
Grandparents: The world's best gift
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 outdoors or, if
the weather doesn't allow for that, suggest
a trip to the mall or an indoor recreation center. Another
option is to tell them to bring their skates and let them
rollerblade in the garage.
For children’s safety and your own sanity, do some child-proofing
around your house
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 University of Missouri Extension's
Silver Threads newsletter.
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Last update: Tuesday, December 07, 2010
