We are really fortunate that our grandchildren live only a few minutes away from us and we get to see them several times a week. Being close to them is very important to us, so that we can have a close relationship with them. Next to our adult daughter, our 2 grandchildren are the most important things in the world to us.
Having play dates with the grand-kids regularly is something we love to do. We call them “play dates” but our grand daughter Princess calls them just “dates” with Nanny and Pappy.
Some of the “play dates” that we have with them are held right here at our home. We will sit down and watch age-appropriate movies with them, play games, toys, do arts & crafts and all sorts of other fun things.
At other times…we like to take them out to local area farms, to the zoo, museum, play time at the park, swimming, etc. Heck, we even take the oldest one (the Princess) on vacation with us once every year!
Several months ago we took the Princess to a local PA Farm where they had hands-on activities for the kids to do. She got to ride a tractor, jump over hay bales, go through a maze, feed some of the animals and all sorts of other fun things that children like to do. I have to admit, we enjoyed doing some of these things too!
Having regular play dates with your children and/or grandchildren is very important! It helps to form a bonding relationship with them, it’s educational, totally fun and gets them the mental & physical exercise that they need, especially the play dates when you do something outdoors!
If you have children or grandchildren, do you hold regular play dates with them? If so, how often? What kinds of things do you like to do with them?
I have just become a grandmother and am looking forward to having play dates with my grandsons. We are considering moving closer to them.
I too wish that I had grandparents like you when I was growing up. I am so happy that you enjoy these kinds of farms and share that with your grandchildren. I think it is so important for young children to visit these types of places and see animals and smell the fresh air. I don’t like to see children parked in front of the television playing video games or those stupid games on their phones. Guess I’m just a farm girl at heart.
Heather, I agree 100% with you! I see a LOT of young kids & teenagers who are absolutely ADDICTED to their cellphones, computers, tablets and video games. YES, addicted and YES someone can be addicted to their electronics. It is really a shame! I understand life is busy and I understand parents are busy but I’m sick & tired of parents parking their kids down in front of the TV, video game or computer.
Kids don’t need anything fancy, the simple things with love are best! Not only are you blessed to live near your daughter and grandchildren, but they are, too, very blessed to have you. Looks like a fun time seeing the animals!!
You make me wish that I’d had grandparents growing up. Two were dead before I was born and the other two before I was 5 so I didn’t get to know them.
Sorry Sarah. Life is so short and very precious. I don’t know how long I have here on earth…but whatever time I have I want to spend it with my family. I think it’s important to have regular family bonding sessions and to build memories. Gia is at the age that these memories should stay with her for an eternity. Hopefully Sam and I will be around when Jax gets older too. He just turned 10 months old and let me tell you…he loves spending time with us too!
Our daughter Jenelle is 30 years old and she often says that her dad is her best friend. She knows that we are here for her no matter what and whenever she needs us. I want both of our grandchildren to feel the same way about us.