Unplug The Grandkids – Show Them What Summer Is All About

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,863 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

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We can all agree that technology is a wonderful thing. The internet makes life so much easier and we are lucky to be able to watch different types of media on our own time table. It is freeing and a real time saver. We can call anyone anywhere and have it sound like they are standing next to us. Pictures can be shared immediately and the world is at our fingertips. But it is also a wonderful thing to turn off technology from time to time. This is especially true for the summer months and to once again experience the feeling of simpler times.

If you are one of the many older adults that have the privilege of spending time with grandchildren, then you are aware of the struggle when trying to limit the time they are on their technology devices. Kids and teens are used to being “plugged in” and it is often hard for them to put down their phones, IPads and laptops to be a part of the actual world around them. While you don’t want to be the mean and out-of-touch grandparent, there needs to be some boundaries that work for both you and the kids.

The summer is the perfect time to introduce some different activities that don’t involve a plug and an outlet. As a parent, you often don’t have the time to sit down and spend relaxing moments with your child. You are running around, multi-tasking and trying to complete what is on the daily “to do” list. While today’s grandparents are also active and busy, they have usually set aside some time if the know their grandkids will be visiting. Because it is a planned and special circumstance, there isn’t the same feeling of being pulled away from accomplishing something you should be doing. Your time is their time.

Grandkids can benefit so much from just being with you and slowing down. Their lives are running back and forth from scheduled activities, play dates, etc. Let the time with you become sacred and different from the rest of their lives. You can be the relaxed, peaceful place where they re-group. It doesn’t even have to be a big planned day. Think back to the things you enjoyed doing during your young summers. What made you feel relaxed and happy?

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Cloud Formations – I remember spending hours over the summer just looking up at the clouds and seeing what shape they looked like

Rock Painting – Use acrylic paint and a spray sealer to make sure they last. Decorate gardens and walkways.

Swimming – This is the perfect activity to make sure the grandkids unplug. Play some old favorites like Marco Polo or Follow the Leader in the pool.

Old Fashioned Picnic – Everyone can participate in making the food, as well as gathering the blanket/chairs/dishes.

School – Set up the makeshift classroom with whatever lessons they want to do. Let the kids take turns being the teacher while you are the student. It is fun to watch them role play and see what it is like for them to be at the front of the classroom.

Telephone game – If you have lots of kids over, you can play the telephone game. This is when the first person picks a sentence or saying and whispers it in the ear of the second person and it goes on down the line. It is funny to see how different the message is when it gets to the last person. Kids love this game.

Water balloon/Water pistol fun – This is a great way to cool off and to really get everyone laughing. You can take turns being “it” and close your eyes while everyone else hides in spots to attack you when you try to tag and find them.

Frozen Treats – There is nothing like a frozen snack to cool off in the summer. If you are lucky enough to still have an ice cream truck visit your neighborhood, let the kids pick out their choice. Otherwise just stock your freezer for their favorite treats and surprise them.

Library Day – Have the kids visit the local library and pick out a book or two to enjoy during their summer vacation. They can make a list beforehand of ones they might be interested in and show them how to locate them once you get to the library. Many libraries have summer programs for kids to enjoy.

Rainy Day Matinee – On those days when the weather is not cooperating for outdoor fun, take in a matinee at your local theater. Usually there are many kid-friendly movies being shown daytime during the summer months. You can also make sure afterwards to discuss everyone’s favorite parts and what they didn’t like.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.