As grandparents we should have goals for ourselves as well as our family. Even though you have grown children with their own families and they have their individual family goals, your goals as a grandparent, should include your children and grandchildren. Here are some goal guidelines or suggestions, if you will, that you can use to help set your goals for this New Year!
- Start a new family tradition! Traditions are an important building block for a solid family foundation. Whether the tradition is geared toward a holiday or birthdays or any old day, start doing something special and specific, and do it every year or every occurrence. One family I knew from childhood had a huge Sunday afternoon lunch after church. The whole family got together and enjoyed this scrumptious meal together, and afterward they played games or just enjoyed each other’s company for a bit.
- Start a savings account for each of your grandchildren. Saving money is so hard in this economy, yet so important. When your grandkids are old enough, take them to the bank with you when you deposit it. Even if it’s $5 a month, it will teach them how and the importance of saving money.
- Make a photo album or scrapbook of just your grandkids this year. Kids love pictures of themselves and will cherish it forever! You can easily make a digital scrapbook or photo book using Shutterfly
- If you have an issue with your child or grandchild, make it your goal to work it out this year! Family is too important to let something stand in the way of your relationship with a loved one!
- If your grandkids live in another city or state, make it a goal to go visit them this year. Often times we expect our kids to come to us, but if you are capable, make an effort to go visit them. It will be a nice treat for them!
- Take your grandkids to a movie once a month. Most kids love movies and this can be some great bonding time! Let them pick the movie, too, as long as it is appropriate for them. It may be something you will have to suffer through, but it will show them that their interests are important to you.
- Attend as many plays, concerts, recitals, or sports events that you can. It’s important to show your support, especially in their academic activities.
- Offer to help your grandkids with their homework. I know they are learning new and different things these days from when we were in school, but sometimes your insight may just be the key they need to put idea together for a paper they’re writing, or understand a historical event.
- Make it a goal to call your grandkids at least once a week if they live far away. They will love this, and grow to expect it; something they can rely on. Kids these days need to be able to count on someone steady and consistent in their lives.
- Offer to take your grandkids out to eat or over for dinner regularly, like once a week or once a month. Set a specific day aside on a regular basis for Nana and Papa time. Again, consistency is the key here.
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By making one or two of these your goals for 2009, you will build a better relationship with your grandkids and probably your children as well. I know we aren’t perfect, and stuff will come up, but do it for your grandkids and yourself! You won’t regret it!
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