Well, after a whole year of isolation we have made it to phase 3 – and now life begins to return to semi-normal. Vaccinated grandparents, and in some cases, grandchildren, are excited to be able to share time and memories once again. Now – where to begin?
Since the weather experts have predicted a ‘wet’ spring I decided to explore some indoor activities that can be done with or without the grandkids. Baking is a biggie in my household. The younger set loves to add pre-measured ingredients and stir with passion.
The older grands might like to learn how to make a pot roast in the crockpot or make their own smoothies in the blender.
For those who do not live close enough to gather in each other’s homes, there are online options.
2 Sisters – 2 States
Karen Strong Black lives on Camano Island. Her sister, Diana Walsvick Martinez, lives in Elk Grove California. They have been doing a cooking program on Facebook Live, called 2 Sisters – 2 States, for quite awhile now. They have occasionally included Black’s grandkids, Griffin and Isadora, who also live in California, and everyone has a great time.
A co-cookery show between grandparents and grandkids can be great fun. Cookies, cakes, pies, tarts – the possibilities are pretty endless. And Grandpa can show off his ice cream making and mad bar-b-que skills.
If cooking is not your thing there are other subjects to consider. Tutoring classes for grandchildren struggling with a particular subject could be a real bonding and confidence building experience.
Container gardening, planting, and measuring growth of seed or starter plants is another possibility. Who doesn’t want to plant a seed in an egg shell and watch it come to life?
Writing letters
Letter writing and thank-you notes are another art form that is disappearing and this is a chance to bring it back to life.
Reading stories aloud to the little ones or for the older ones, painting rocks or learning to knit can also be shared.
Facetime
If everyone involved has Apple devices – iPhones, iPads, iMacs – you can set-up video calls with only one button.
Sometimes just chatting and catching up with life events on Facetime helps keep the family connection strong.
Long-distance birthday parties, anniversary and graduation gatherings can come together using Facebook Messenger video, Facetime or Zoom.
Zoom
Another option: Zoom. It’s free for up to 40 minutes per call and unlimited time can be purchased for a $16.39 or less per month, allowing aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and of course parents, to share in the fun.
Friends can share many activities online. I recently attended a beautiful Memorial Service for my sister-in-law.
We may have been dragged kicking and screaming into the age of technology, but this is our chance to make it work for us. And since the smartphone works even if you don’t have access to a computer, almost everyone can join in.
And don’t forget to include the pets! They are family too.
Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below.
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