5 play tips to help Grandparents in the holidays
At this time of the year your grandchildren are not at school and that means for many of us, more frequent visits from them. I love this time because I get to do some exciting play with them. I am lucky to have grandsons and granddaughters so I get to do a wide range of play that takes me on so many different adventures. I hope you will have the same these holidays.
Start Collecting
Biscuit making with paper and cardboard ‘junk’
Collect and don’t spend. You don’t need to buy new toys. Try collecting interesting ‘junk’ instead. I am a fan of collecting bits and pieces that will help us on our play adventures. I am always on the lookout for cardboard tubes from the wrapping paper, grocery boxes, bottle tops, cardboard, interesting cardboard and plastic bits (from bought toys), ribbon and so much more. These bits and pieces can be used in play or for junk construction. I keep these in a couple of containers that the grandchildren can access easily.
Set Up a Making Area
It is so good for kids to make something that they can use in their play. Set up a making area with a tape dispenser, scissors, a glue stick, pens and pencils. What you leave out is, of course, dependent on the ages of your grandchildren. I make it clear that before they go, the grandchildren must tidy it up with me so that the making area is ready for next time.
Set Up For Next Time
Tidying up the making area is important but it is also important to keep something that is a work in progress or precious for a little bit longer. Some children will want to come back and play with what they have made or set up. This is great for continuing the play adventure when they come back for a visit. Make a special space for storing or keeping the play things. This sends the clear message that you value your grandchildren’s hard work with making things or setting up things.
Support Play
Support play in your home by making a space for your grandchildren to use for play and to make things. You will know what to provide when you have your chats with them. You will hear their enthusiasm when they talk about their interests. Take note and think about how you can be involved in that play when they visit. Find things that are related to their interests. Have these available for the next visit. When you are playing together, ask questions, make comments and encourage curiosity. Let them see that you are also interested in what they are doing and, of course, play with your grandchildren.
Set Aside Time To Play
Play time is precious time. You get to find out more about your grandchildren if you are there and are involved in what they are doing. Let your grandchild lead the way in play and making. You may be surprised at how much you learn from them and they may need some of your expertise to make something work. There is nothing better than learning from each other. None of us know everything!
We all have a never ending list of things to do. Set those aside and be present for your grandchild. Think of the human lifespan. Childhood is very short so take the time to enjoy special moments with your grandchildren. All children love to play so play, play and do some more playing! You won’t regret it and nor will your grandchildren!
Happy playing
Lynette
