In my article, “5 Ways to Encourage Your Kids When Grandpa Has
Alzheimer’s” on Crosswalk.com, I talk about the importance to help our children
stay connected with a grandparent who has Alzheimer’s or is physically
incapacitated. This blog has some additional things your children can do to
stay connected with an ailing grandparent who lives far away.
1. Record a song or
story. There are many ways to record sound these days, so take advantage
and let your kids record an “album” for their grandparents. Just make sure
grandma has the right equipment to play the recording.
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Image courtesy of photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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You can also ask the grandparent to do that for your kids.
Several years ago, my mother recorded herself singing old children’s songs and
also reading classic children’s poems. I had the cassette tapes transferred
onto CDs and my children still love to listen to their Nanny.
2. Write a story.
Tell your children a bit about their grandparents childhood, then let them
devise a story featuring the grandparent as a kid. Handwriting the story will
add a special element but you might need to add some corrections if spelling
will hinder the reading. You can use the material to create a memory book for
your children and future grandchildren with stories from your parents’ childhood,
too.
3. Send handmade
gifts. What grandparent wouldn’t like to receive a painting made by a child
in art class or a ceramic flower pot crafted in school? Sharing some of your
children’s artwork and crafts done in school would brighten a grandparent’s
day—and help keep your house from being overrun with school clutter.
4. Make a photo
album. Have your kids put together mini-albums with photographs you’ve
taken of them. They can write simple identifications or do a more elaborate
scrapbook. This especially can aid a grandparent’s memory and provide another
way for the two to connect during in-person visits.
What are some ways you help your kids stay connected with
their grandparents?
Until next time,
Sarah
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