Helping Grandchildren Through The Pandemic

BY REBECCA WHEAT

As grandparents, we can be wonderful listeners and validate their feelings. What were the challenges this year and what were the highlights? As our grandchildren tell us about the highs and lows, we need to be prepared to be surprised. They may tell us things we did not at all expect, and we can be non-judgemental listeners.

“As we transition back to our familiar lives, there may be some sad or scary times, and that is perfectly O.K.”

We can encourage them to express their feelings through painting, drawing, and storytelling. We all have stories about this past year. Hopefully, they can send us their pictures and stories and we can share our stories and our many emotions. Our grandchildren will likely find it very comforting that we too had highs and lows and we are not afraid to discuss them.

“No matter what, we are here, and so blessed to have each of our precious grandchildren.”

We can give hope. Things are opening up. Life is beginning to look more familiar. As we transition back to our familiar lives, there may be some sad or scary times, and that is perfectly O.K.

We can gently ask them what they are grateful for? They may need to think hard about these things, and I will share what I M grateful for. Soon, I will be able to hug them. Although I am a widow, I have the companionship of a loving dog and cat. Zoom at times was tiring, but I am so glad we have it. Again, we may be surprised with what they come up with.

Our unconditional love can provide a strong anchoring tether. No matter what, we are here, and so blessed to have each of our precious grandchildren.

For more from Rebecca Wheat – What Should We Give To Our Grandchildren

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – REBECCA WHEAT

I have six grandchildren. I was a principal and then worked at the U.C. Berkeley Principal Leadership Institute training principals. Up until COVID, I worked as a coach to administrators. I love my volunteer work reading in classrooms and doing puppet shows. I do puppet shows at my local Barnes and Noble in El Cerrito Calif. I believe each of us has an important story and that is how I have approached my books. I have Four education books. If I had to sum up my philosophy it would be the importance of relationships. I love Maya Angelou’s quote. People may forget what you did. People may forget what you said. But people never forget how you made them feel.