Grandparenting Ideas

Your house may no longer be child-proof. When grandchildren are young, check that your good things (china and pot plants) and your poisons (from medicines to dishwashing powder) are safely out of reach.
Have a box of toys, games and books that are special for visits. Add something new occasionally.
Children love stories. Keep a supply of books to read to them. Tell stories about the family history.
Read a few recent books on child-rearing so you are up to date with modern ideas.
Keep up with your grandchildren’s interests. As they grow older take an interest in what they are doing. Listen to some modern music so you can talk or ask questions about it.
Have your own ‘house rules’ about the amount and type of television and video watching in your home.
Be a good listener. Grandparents often have time to give children a real opportunity to talk about their interests and feelings.
Let them know when you are interested in going to their activities, such as school sports, concerts etc. Go to sports matches and school events if you can, especially if your grandchild’s parents cannot go.
Teenagers, in particular, often get a lot of value out of the support from their grandparents. (Remember that hairstyles, activities and language are different from when you were a parent and criticism may spoil your relationship).
Children love to cook and often parents are too busy for this to happen together, so it can be a special novelty to do with you.