By Ashley Hardway
The technology of the world today is far greater than it was when you were a child. Gadgets and gizmos are everywhere you look nowadays. While it can be intimidating to some grandparents, there is no reason it should be for you. Instead of fighting this reality of the world, why not embrace a new hobby that you can do with the grandchildren?
Engagement – One of the most profound ways grandparents can include themselves in the life of a grandchild is by showing interest in his or her hobbies. Whether it is playing games on consoles or computers or being on a soccer team, your interaction could shape his or her life. Allowing the child to teach their grandparents something new adds to that bond as the student of life can play a reverse role in helping someone learn.
Compromising – Allowing the child to teach you a new activity can open the doors for you to do the same. Perhaps you want to demonstrate to the child how putting together World War II planes can be an enjoyable activity. By compromising with the child to play his or her game, they can be more open to experience something you enjoyed growing up. This sharing of ideas is how the world succeeds and the experience can have more of an impact than you may realize.
It’s All About Connections – You don’t have to be completely interested in video games in order to engage the child. You could be the most terrible player in the world. The interaction of sharing something the child enjoys is what you’re after. This can give you a great deal of insight to your grandchild and what he or she is truly interested in.
Having grandchildren is more than simply handing over goodies or spoiling them with toys. Your role as teacher merely changes. Allow your grandchildren to teach you a new game – you may find it more enjoyable than you thought.
Always curious, Ashley Hardway is constantly learning and passionate about sharing what she learns with others. Based in Houston, Texas, she loves to help families grow stronger, help their environments and communities, and keep moving forward! Check out @NannyLady on Twitter to connect and find out more.
