… Ideas to try with your grandchildren, from infants to six-year-olds, whether you live near or far.
Infants
Enjoy hugging your grandson. Sing it or mix it gently. No matter what you sing, the important thing is that she hears your voice. Often when they are hugged, their own children can do some things around the house.
If you live far away, be sure to call your family on the phone, webcam, or SKYPE regularly. When your son or daughter tells you fun things or milestones the baby has accomplished, write them down in a journal and date the entry. Parents are often so busy that they don’t do this and then you can give it to them. Your children will know how much you care about your grandchildren, even when you can’t be with them.
One year old children
As soon as you can and your grandson can, have him help you in the kitchen. You can put wooden spoons on a stand or put pots and pans in a cupboard. Or, together, find lids for the plastic pots or containers.
Two-year-olds
Gather a photo book from friends and family. Watch it together and talk about who you see. Ask questions like “Who is that?” If you live far away, you can mail them the album.
Three-year-olds
One game that you can play in person or over the phone is “Opposites.” You say “boy-girl; top-bottom; white-black; big-little.” These words are opposite. Then you tell your grandson, I will say a word and you say the opposite, like “up-down”. Say the first word of the pair and then pause and wait for your grandchild to complete the other.
Four-year-olds
At this age they love jokes. Share “knock knock” jokes. Laugh and laugh together. “Knock, knock, who’s there? Ken. Ken who? Ken, can you tell me another joke?”
Five-year-olds
Make a kazoo comb. Cover a fine-toothed comb with wax paper. Have your granddaughter gently press her lips to the paper and hum a song. If you live far away, you can send one to your granddaughter and then when calling on the phone or using your webcam, you could play your kazoo along with your granddaughter.
Six-year-olds
Play dominoes with your grandchildren. It will help them learn to take turns and recognize patterns. After a game, your grandson will like to build with them.