There is something magical about spending time with young children – they see life through an innocent lens, find joy in everything, and can teach us how to live in the moment. Children are full of energy and can make you feel younger just by being around them. Most importantly for seniors, the laughter and wonder that grandchildren inspire everywhere they go are good for the soul. Grandkids can help dispel loneliness and restore a sense of belonging and purpose.
And did you know? The presence of a grandparent in their life is beneficial for the kids, providing deep security, unconditional love, and a sense of steadfast family they will carry into adulthood. The extraordinary bond between parents and grandchildren is one of the most significant relationships you will ever experience. So enjoy your time together!
Some seniors are a bit intimidated when given the opportunity to spend time with young children. You may wonder what activities will make them happy – and not wear you out in the process! Here are five great ideas for intergenerational activities to enjoy with your grandchildren.
Arts and Crafts: Art projects are ideal for virtually any age group. Creativity brings out the kid in all of us, and crafts can be created indoors – a significant benefit as we enter the Florida summer! There is an age-appropriate option for virtually any child, and the grandparents can enjoy watching their little minds at work. If you are someone who gets stressed about a “mess,” choose colored pencil and tape over paint and glue. One of the best aspects of doing arts and crafts with your grandkids is the memento to remind you of how much fun you had.
Cooking and Baking: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and who doesn’t love fresh-baked cookies? If you are an accomplished baker or cook, teach your grandkids one of your favorite recipes. But even those who have little skill in the kitchen (or someone who lives in assisted living) can have fun discovering their culinary creativity – assemble ingredients to make sundaes, fruit and yogurt parfaits, or sugar cookies. Simplicity is fine, and the outcome is irrelevant – your grandkids will cherish these memories.
Games and Puzzles: Games and puzzles provide benefits to young and old alike. They nourish growing minds and help older minds stay sharp and focused. Cognitive and memory enrichment is essential for everyone, so why not have fun while training your brain? With everything online these days, you may find that the grandkids love being introduced to the old-school board and card games. Teach them how you played when you were young!
Nature Walks: If you have the physical ability to take walks with the grandkids, go on a nature walk! You can walk at your own pace as they explore the flora and fauna of the Venice area. Let them climb trees, chase butterflies, and look for lizards while teach them about the world around them. Even if you live in an adult residence or don’t feel comfortable going to a park or beach, you can find many natural treasures around your own property – every rock is a gemstone to a child!
Gardening: Watching things grow a universally loved activity, especially if you planted something in the dirt by yourself. Teach your grandkids to garden in your yard or pots- or try your hand at container gardening! Kids love learning about plants and flowers, and you can enjoy a stimulating activity without too much exertion required.
At A Banyan Residence, we know that variety is the spice of life! We provide engaging and fun activities to our residents, helping them to enjoy every day. Call today if you are looking for a senior living residence in Venice, Florida.
