Golden Opportunity-Grandparenting (Vol. 8, No. 5)
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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 8, Number 5, 1997
IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Adopting a Grandchild
Where Are the Grandkids
10 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem
Snack Tips
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Dear Grandparent,
When you think about it, we humans have more similarities than differences.
We are all one species. We are capable of love, hate, happiness, sadness and
many other emotions.
Nurturing isnUt limited to blood relatives. One can nurture another person
who is a complete stranger, as exhibited by the caring, loving, Mother
Theresa. There are so many children needing nurturing, one on one, by another
human being. Many of them are from other countries or have special physical
or mental needs.
Love knows no age, color, nationality, ethnic group or disability. It is
universal and can transcend any boundary. Beautiful, fulfilling,
relationships can be made between the oldest and youngest of our human
generations.
Think of ways you can CONNECT!!
C - Consciously look around your neighborhood, your church, your
family.
O - Open your eyes in order to open your heart to a young person.
N - Nothing is more important to a child or a teen, or to us, for that
matter, than being special to someone else.
N - Never underestimate your power, ability and capacity to love.
E - Everyone needs someone!
C - Consider volunteering at a day care center, Head Start,
neighborhood recreation center, your church, temple or mosque.
T - Test out new ideas willingly, slowly, patiently, with reason and
with intelligence.
Sincerely,
Nancy Covert, Extension Agent
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GRAND IDEAS
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Where Are The Grandkids?
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Not everyone has grandchildren living near to them. Some adults are still
wistfully waiting for grandchildren to enter their family. If this describes
yourself or someone you know, there are some options to explore.
Unless you live along an isolated road, there are probably young children
living in your neighborhood. If you're unsure, look for signs of children's
toys in the yard. Other options include: church families, library story
hours, elementary schools, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Big Brother and Big
Sister programs. Any of these contacts could bring you in touch with a
potential "adopted grandchild."
A sincere conversation with the child's parent is in order at the beginning.
Explain what your intentions are, and ask if this child would welcome getting
to know an older person. Share some of your interests and ask about the
child's interests. Today there are many families with young children living
miles and miles away from family. Some families would be grateful for contact
with a grandparent.
Ten Ways To Boost Your Self-Esteem
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When you believe you can't change, your mind works against you. When you
believe you can do something, your mind will go to work for you and find
choices you never imagined before.
1. Learn something new every day. The more you know, the more
interesting events, times, people and places can be.
2. Cultivate people who help you feel important. Interact with
people whose accomplishments you admire, who are interesting to
talk with, who are doing things.
3. Put out of your life anybody who puts you down. If it's a blood
or legal relative, ignore him or her.
4. Do what you can to feel sure of yourself. Get your hair cut, wear
something new, even if you're not planning to have company or go
out.
5. Maximize the things you like about yourself. If you can't think
of anything you like about yourself, pretend that there are things
you can like about yourself.
6. Do something daily for someone else. Call a friend, neighbor or
relative.
7. If you can change the things about yourself that bother you, do it
now! Why put off feeling better about yourself, if you can do it
now?
8. Move what's moveable. Exercise may seem like a bad word, but it's better
than not moving at all.
9. Know it's all right to be scared. Many of the people who seem so sure of
themselves may have more butterflies than you.
10. Check out your daily diet. Even the shyest of persons can't live
on tea and toast.
(Source: Senior Issues, Penn State Cooperative Extension.)
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HERE COME THE GRANDKIDS
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Adopting A Grandchild
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When we think about adoption generally it is in terms of parents adopting a
child. But why not think about adopting a youngster as a grandchild?
Today, we have many married couples making the decision not to have children;
that means you will not have biological grandchildren. If we think about it,
loving and caring doesnUt have to be restricted to relatives.
I love children and perhaps for selfish reasons have decided to RadoptS a
couple of children. These are children in my neighborhood who have
grandparents near by, far away and one has none. Since I have no
grandchildren, I decided to adopt a couple of these children.
In making this decision, I thought about what I had to offer to them. Time,
energy, and love quickly came to mind. Once I began to think of them as my
own grandchildren several other idea surfaced.
For example: I love to listen to all their stories about school events, family
problems, pet experiences or other events.
Laughter is also a gift my adopted grandchildren and I share. They have a
wonderful view of life which is often enlightening for me. Telling jokes
about why the chicken crossed the road and why the elephant wears his red
sneakers, keeps me smiling. Research has indicated that laughter keeps us
young, so I make sure we have plenty of things to laugh at.
Having adopted grandchildren has also given me a purpose. It has helped me
focus on others rather than thinking about myself so much. When I begin to
feel down, I think about one of the children and smile.
One issue I've been concerned about is the infamous "generation gap." By
interacting with young people, you can stay in touch with the latest fashion,
dances, and even language - "Rad" (Remember when it was "Cats Meow"?)
By having a few adopted grandchildren, I've noticed that I have a sense of
renewal. Perhaps it is the result of all the other reasons for adopting
children. It gives me the excuse to do child-like things P fly a kite, see
"101 Dalmatians", make crafts, eat cookies without feeling guilty!
Whether you have biological grandchildren or not you may want to consider
adopting a grandchild. Children young and old can benefit from interacting
with a caring adult. You can provide a positive influence that will impact on
a child for a life time.
Prepared By: Jane A. Mecum, CFLE, Extension Agent, Family Living
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CHILDREN'S PAGE
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SNACK TIPS
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* Set aside a Rsnack spotS in the refrigerator or cupboard. Stock it
with nutritious, ready-to-eat snacks for your grandchildren.
* Offer snacks at regular times, such as midmorning and midafternoon.
Do not let children nibble constantly during the day.
* Serve fruit juices instead of caffeinated drinks.
* A snack is a good way to introduce a new food. Include a game or
activity to learn about the new food. Let the children help
prepare it.
MAKE A FACE
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rice cake or slice of bread
peanut butter
raisins
apple slices
banana slices
Spread peanut butter on the rice cake or on a slice of breadQthen, make faces!
Raisins, apple slices, and banana slices make great eyes, noses, and mouths.
PURPLE COW
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milk
grape juice
ice
Mix equal parts of milk and grape juice. Add ice and shake or whirl in a
blender.
BANANA SHAKE UPS
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graham crackers (flavor of your choice)
banana
Put one graham cracker into a plastic sandwich bag with a zipper seal. Roll
with a rolling pin until crushed. Slice half of a banana into the bag. Close
and shake--open and eat!
REMINDER:
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Children under school age can easily choke on foods such as raisins, nuts,
popcorn, etc. Supervise children closely when serving these foods.
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This publication is available in alternative media on request.
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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
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veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to
the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201
Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801: Tel. (814) 865-4700/V,
(814) 863-1150/TTY.
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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