Golden Opportunity-Grandparenting (Vol. 7, No.6)
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The Golden Opportunity -- "Grandparenting"
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"The Golden Opportunity -- "Grandparenting" is an extension newsletter
prepared by Pennsylvania Family Living agents: Jane Beightol, Mifflin Co.,
(717) 248-9618; Andrea Bressler, Clearfield Co., (814) 765-7878; Nancy Covert,
Jefferson Co., (814) 849-7361; Debra Gregory, Huntingdon Co., (814) 643-1660;
Sandra Hall, Clinton Co., (717) 893-4050; and Jane Mecum, Perry Co., (717)
582-2131. This electronic version is for use by other agents or directly by
community members. (*Professionals: Please acknowledge the source of these
materials if you re-use them.)
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Volume 7, Number 6, 1996
IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Dear Grandparent
ChildrenUs Gifts: A New Twist
ChildrenUs Gifts to Last A Lifetime
Ages - Stages and Gifts
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Dear Grandparent,
Birthdays, holidays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, a new job, a
promotion, a new house -- all bring to mind the images such as parties, music,
laughter, dancing, food and drink. These are the occasions when it is the
easiest to celebrate family bonds across generations. Joys that are shared
are the ones that are remembered.
Special occasions add zest to life, giving a lift when the everyday world gets
to us. Joyful times have a way of stirring up energy and determination to get
together. These are the times that help nourish the affections of all
generations and create memories that can sustain us. Even when saddened by
death, we draw strength from remembering the Thanksgiving dinner shared with
the person for many years.
Family celebrations often mean doing special things together and giving gifts.
We might even do silly things, like the family who makes the strangest
looking cakes or writes nonsensical poems. Humor is one element in the glue
that holds families together! Appreciation is another.
Each family has its own way of celebrating special occasions. These
differences are what makes families unique and gives special identity to
members of the family group. Recognize the rich rewards of enjoying each
otherUs company. These are memories that you can help create for yourself and
for your grandchildren -- so CELEBRATE.
Sincerely,
Sandra P. Hall
Extension Agent
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CHILDREN'S GIFTS: A NEW TWIST
Grandparents often find it difficult to buy gifts for grandchildren. Although
many opt to give money or let a parent choose a gift, others enjoy shopping
for a gift themselves. Often grandparents just guess making gift giving a hit
or miss event.
Many grandparents have taken an alternate route P giving something that they
already own. One grandparent shared that she had her grandchildren pick out
one item from a collection of crystal. This collection represented years of a
personal collection from gifts, travel souvenirs, and other memorable moments
in her life.
Another grandparent who quilts, asked each grandchild to select a quilt from
those she had in one room. The grandparent stitched the childUs name on each
quilt to mark the personal selection. Each child received the quilt as a gift
when they married, went away to school, or had a memorable life event.
Another idea for gift giving is to take your grandchild on a treasure hunt in
your own attic. Children find the most wonderful treasures in attics. You can
spend countless hours rummaging through attics telling memorable stories
attached to each special item. This "new find" could be brought home or kept
at grandpa's as a special toy.
The following are suggestions for helping your treasure seekers find unique
gifts:
* After going through the various boxes and crates, take the selected
items downstairs This makes it much easier for all of you to inspect
and sort items.
* Another idea is to set up a video camera and record the whole
afternoon. Children of all ages love to watch themselves over and
over again. This will also encapsulate the special day that you will
keep forever.
* This is a wonderful time to divide up the old tablecloths, embroidered
doilies, linens, family towels, and heirlooms that you have had stored
away for years.
* Is there furniture that grandchildren may want to use in their bedroom
or apartment? Old hat boxes, clothing, and holiday decorations are
all wonderful finds!
* After you've sorted and selected what you want to keep and what your
grand-children want, have them help you with a yard sale. The money
you make can be spent on a special outing together.
Whatever gift giving method you choose, the most important part is to give
something that comes from your heart. Sharing through any of these activities
communicates how you feel about them, and no material gift is as precious.
Prepared By: Janice Stoudnour, Extension Agent, Family Living, Bedford County
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CHILDRENUS GIFTS TO LAST A LIFETIME
Grandchildren love to receive gifts from their grandparents, but sometimes it
becomes difficult to select presents for children who often seem to "have
everything." There are some things that grandparents can give that would not
appear on your grandchildrenUs gift list, but later in life, if asked about
the gifts they cherished most, these will likely be listed:
THE GIFT OF A GRANDPARENT'S ATTENTION. Whether you live nearby or far away it
is important to keep in touch with your grandchildren and what they are
involved in on a regular basis. When you do this you make each grandchild
know he or she is very special to you and others.
THE GIFT OF SHARING. Grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and talent to
share with their grandchildren.
THE GIFT OF A SENSE OF HUMOR. Everyone regardless of age, can benefit from a
good laugh. They say children laugh 200 times day. It is recommended that we
laugh 20 times a day for good health. Humor makes the down parts of life that
we all experience more palatable. Humor can help heal many of life's real or
imagined illnesses.
THE GIFT OF GIVING LOTS OF LOVE. Grandparents love grandchildren
unconditionally and dependably. The kind words spoken, the kisses and hugs
you give them last a lifetime.
THE GIFT OF TIME. Grandchildren regardless of age, cherish the time they
spend or have spent with their grandparents. Most grandchildren remember that
one special time, or event that they spent with you.
THE GIFT OF ROOTS. Grandparents can link grandchildren to family roots
through pictures and stories providing close family ties. Also, Grandchildren
enjoy learning about when their grandparents were young and what activities
and interests they were involved in growing up.
THE GIFT OF VALUES TO GUIDE BEHAVIOR. Grandparents can help reinforce values
such as honesty, respect, trust, responsibility and appreciation.
The gifts that were discussed were not material goods, but gifts that your
grandchildren can cherish and will make a lasting impact on their lives
forever.
Prepared By: Janice Alberico, CED,
Family Living Agent, Lawerence Co.
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AGES - STAGES AND GIFTS
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* CHILDREN GROW IN FOUR WAYS: *
* *
* Physically: muscles and bones *
* Mentally: thinking and reasoning *
* Socially: playing and working *
* Emotionally: feelings and emotions *
* *
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You may want to take these things into consideration when selecting a gift
whatever the occasion.
Most find it easy to buy for young children, they seem to love anything and
the selection for toys seems endless. School age children like a variety of
toys and are challenged by games that make them think. By the time your
grandchild reaches adolescents, the choices seem limited, expensive, and
harder to find.
Here are some guidelines that may help you in selecting your next gift:
ONE YEAR OLDS - love to explore and learn. Look for things that are both safe
and durable during this curious age.
TWO YEAR OLDS - love to hear the same thing over and over. Perhaps a tape
(video or cassette) of you and them playing or talking. (This might be good
to save for years to come.)
FOUR AND FIVE YEAR OLDS - cooperative. Games to share can be one idea.
SIX AND SEVEN YEAR OLDS - active. Action toys both indoors and out might just
be the ticket.
EIGHT AND NINE YEAR OLDS - Friends are important. To be a hit, check what is
"in" and get one of those.
TEN AND ELEVEN YEAR OLDS - growing constantly. Clothes might be a good idea,
but beware, they might already be out of the size you bought a week ago!
THIRTEEN TO FIFTEEN YEAR OLDS - independent and changing. Maybe now is the
time to let them go shopping with you or have them list their ideas.
SIXTEEN TO TWENTY YEAR OLDS - have their own opinion about everything. Money
is the easiest gift, but perhaps giving more thought to personal items that
can last a lifetime would be better.
What ever the gift, make sure it comes from your heart. Your time is the most
precious gift. Giving the right item takes time, thought, and an
understanding of each of your grandchildren.
Prepared by: Jane A. Mecum, CFLE, Extension Agent, Perry Co.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons
shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment
without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability,
performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state
or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not
discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or
handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or
veteran status. Direct all affirmative action inquiries to the Affirmative
Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building,
University Park, PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175
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Dr. Dan Lago, Ph.D., Penn State Extension Aging Specialist
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
323 Ag. Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802-2601
(814) 863-7871
Internet Address: djl@psu.edu