Golden Opportunity, Vol. 9, 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;
Juniata Co., (717) 436-7744; Jane Mecum, Dauphin Co., (717) 921-8803; Clinton
Co., (570) 726-0022; and 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 9, Number 5, 1998
IN THIS ISSUE
Every Ride A Safe Ride
Helping Grandchild Succeed
Games, Crayons, Rubbings
Kids Need to Know They Matter
Dear Grandparents,
Sometimes it seems as though grand kids always need to go somewhere. Do you
help transport your grandkids? Even if you only see them once in awhile, you
may be the chauffeur. Make every ride a safe ride by following PennsylvaniaUs
Child Safety Laws.
Sincerely,
Nancy Covert
Extension Agent
Care Safety Check List
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* All children from birth to age 4 must be in an approved child safety
seat. Never hold a child in your lap.
* Violators of this law are subject to a fine and costs that could add
up to $92.00.
* Other than those covered by the child restraint law, all front seat
occupants must wear a seat belt.
* Teach by example. Grandparents and older children must buckle up
properly, too.
* The lap belt must be snug and as low on the hips as possible. An
improperly used seat belt may cause injuries.
* Always wear the shoulder belt over the shoulder, never under the arm.
It should not cross the face or throat.
* If the shoulder belt needs adjustment, move the vehicle seat forward
or backward. However, driver and front passenger seats in cars with
air bags should be moved as far back as possible.
* A lap/shoulder belt is necessary for all who ride in front of an air
bag.
* Never place children or infants in front of an air bag.
* Infants up to one year old must face the rear of the vehicle and
ride semi-reclined. This protects the babyUs head and spine.
* Children over 12 months face forward.
* Secure the child in the safety seat snugly. Anchor the safety seat
according to the directions on the seat.
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HERE COME THE GRANDKIDS
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Kids Need to Know They Matter
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The most special thing about my grandma was, that when we were together, I
knew she was attentive to me. She smiled allot, looked me in the eyes when
she talked to me. I knew she was listening to me. She and my grandpap and my
two great uncles showed curiosity when I had a mystery, and delight when I
made a new discovery. They listened to my stories and I listened to theirs. We
shared the excitement of holidays and the wonders of nature.
They seemed to forget their worries and concentrated on what we were doing
together. They lead the way sometimes and I followed, but sometimes, I could
lead and they would follow. They noticed when I was acting differently and
wanted to hear my troubles. They didnUt preach to me, but would offer
suggestions, just an idea or two. That seemed to help me feel better, and then
sometimes I could find my way out of the problem.
They called just to say hello and missed me when I wasnUt there. They shared
their dreams and calmed my nightmares. They let me know that my feelings were
OK to have even if they werenUt always good feelings. They werenUt pushovers
either. They said yes allot, but let me know when I was overstepping my
boundaries. They always listened to my questions, even if they didnUt know
all the answers.
We played games; sometimes even grown up games like cards, where you had to
count and remember what cards were played. I liked Crazy Eights. Grandpap put
extra eights from other decks of cards into one deck, so we had more chances
to change the suit. I got to keep score as soon as I learned to add and
subtract. We really had to pay attention to the game, but we laughed and
giggled anyway.
It was great fun when all the cousins and other big people were there! One of
our favorite times together was new years day when we all played bingo with
real prizes wrapped carefully in tissue paper. It was allot more fun than
watching TV.
My grandparents always wanted to know what I was doing in school. They only
got to go to school through the eighth grade. But they read books and the
newspaper. They asked me what I thought about things. They said they were
never too old to learn something new. They would help me gather leaves for my
science project, and often cut items from the newspaper or a magazine to help
me with current events. They knew what I was collecting for school or just
for fun. They visited my school.
My grandparents asked me to help them with things, and, even if I wasnUt good
at it at first, always encouraged me to do better. They thanked me and said,
RyouUre welcomeS, when I said, Rthank-youS.
As I grew older, they trusted me, believed in me, talked openly with me. I
knew I was loved. They were there for me in ways
money canUt buy. ThatUs the kind of grandma I want to be too.
Prepared by Nancy Covert, Clearfield/Jefferson Counties
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CHILDRENUS PAGE
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Toss Up Cup Game
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Poke a hole in the bottom of a paper cup. Tie a knot in a piece of yarn and
thread it through the cup so that the knot is on the outside of the cup. Tie
a small ring toy or yarn ball to the loose end of the yarn. Have the child
try to toss the toy in the air and then catch it in the cup.
Chunky Crayons
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You need:
* old crayons
* muffin pan
* aluminum foil
Have your grandchildren help peel the paper off of old crayons. Line each
muffin cup with foil. Put 5-10 pieces of crayon in each muffin cup. Preheat
the oven to 250 degrees. Put the crayons in the oven and let them melt. Turn
the oven off and leave them in the oven overnight to harden.
Use the new multi-colored crayons to do leaf rubbings or some mystery
rubbings.
Mystery Rubbings
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You need:
* paper
* colored pencil or crayons
* small objects to RrubS (coins, keys, paper clips, checkers,
buttons)
Hide several items under a sheet of paper and tape down the corners. Using a
crayon or colored pencil, rub over the items to reveal the texture, imprint,
and shape. Use both sides of the coins to add to the challenge.
Play a guessing game with younger children to see if they recognize the items.
Children can do rubbings themselves and then use the rubbings as a matching
game with the real items.
Talk with your grandchild about what you might do with each coin. What could
we buy with it? How many would we have to save to get an ice cream cone?
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GRAND IDEAS
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Helping Grandchild Succeed
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Children can be successful
Physically: by building strong muscles and healthy bones
Mentally: learning how to thinking & develop reasoning skills
Socially: learning to play and work together in the family
Emotionally: understanding their feelings and emotions
One of the best ways to help your grandchildren be successful is by playing
together! Playing helps us develop physically, mentally, socially, and
emotionally. Here are some ideas that may help you be successful your
grandchildren:
Two-year olds
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Love to hear the same thing over and over. Books can be a great
way to develop these little minds.
Four- and five-year olds
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Games are great learning tools. Throw in some running and jumping
and the two of you will grow in lots of ways, including tired.
Six- and seven-year olds
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The ground work for self-esteem has been laid. Do some creative
projects and make sure you compliment the efforts - not just the
end product.
Eight- and nine-year olds
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Friends are important to this group so why not host one of those
sleep overs.
Ten- to twelve-year olds
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This group are usually computer wizards. Take a trip to the library
and have them get you in touch with the world of computers.
Thirteen- to fifteen-year olds
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Independent describes this age. You may feel you donUt have a role
in their lives now, but make sure you stay connected emotionally -
ask about whatUs RINS.
Sixteen- to twenty-year olds
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The last growth spurt has occurred, socially and emotionally they
feel ready for the world, and mentally they know more than you do.
This is a time for you to be the extra set of ears and reassure
them they will be successful, because they are your grandchildren!
Regardless of what activities you choose to do with your grand-children,
giving your time is the most important.
Prepared by: Jane A. Mecum, CFLE, Extension Agent, Dauphin County
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 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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Reviewed by: Dan Lago, Ph.D.
Adult Development and Aging Specialist
Department of Agricultural and Extension Education
Penn State University, College of Agricultural Sciences
323 Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802
Voice: (814) 863-7871
E-mail: djl@psu.edu