Monday, January 26, 2015

“Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Activities for the Kids When it Snows

As I sit here, Long Island is waiting for what they are calling an historic blizzard. Many of the schools are sending the kids home before the storm hits, and all have already closed tomorrow. If you have little ones to entertain for the next few days, here are some suggestions:

1. Of course there is the traditional snowman, but consider other animals. Little ones who can’t really handle a snowman may be able to make a caterpillar with small balls for the body, sticks for legs, and rocks or buttons for eyes.

2. Hollow out an orange, put birdseed inside and hang for the birds who are having a hard time finding food in the snow. The orange makes it easy for the kids to see the birds enjoy their food from the window.

3. Use the bubbles that are so popular in summer and see how they freeze outside in the cold.

4. Make snow graffiti. Tint water with food coloring and put in spray bottles or squirt bottles and let the kids make designs in the snow.

5. Draw a large circle in the snow and have the kids try to get their snowballs into the circle.

6. If the snow is happening over a few hours, have the child keep track of the amount of snow. Pick an area close to a door and take measurements in intervals. If the child can write, have them keep a snow journal. If not, write for them. This might be a good time for some math.

7. There are a variety of other things you can do with snowballs. Many times a snowball fight seems like a good idea, but often end in tears, so how about giving the kids a target, like a tree or shed.

8. Have the kids take photos of their neighborhood in the snow. If you can, have them upload them to the website of the local television station. They may see their name and photo on tv!

9. Finally, at most ages, they can “help” you shovel the snow.


Once you all have had your fill of the snow and cold, move inside.

1. If you are in charge of little girls, how about a spa day: manicures, pedicures, try different hairstyles.

2. Have an indoor picnic.

3. Cook…bake

4. Bring the snow inside. Fill the bathtub with snow (keep the drain open) and have the kids put on mitten and gloves and have fun.

5. Have a lot of magazines? Let the kids make collages.

6. This is a perfect time to make a snow globe. Check out these instructions from PBS.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/homemade-snow-globes/

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Hibernate or Not? My visit to Connetquot Park with Tally



     Last Wednesday, Tally and I went to Connetquot State Park for a session with the naturalist on how animals survive the winter on Long Island. It was cold, so we both dressed to spend the morning outside, but found most of the program was inside.

     We sat on the floor (me, too!) and learned what animals/birds/insects hibernate in the winter. It was very interactive, with Tally and the other child (just her and another toddler showed up) putting images on a bulletin board with areas for “Hibernate,” Go South,” and “Stay Put.” Tally knew all the ones she was given. We then went outside to look to look at all the birdfeeders and watch the wildlife. Not much showed up, but both toddlers were excited to see all the birds around the feeders.


    You can find these kinds of activities in all towns that have programs for children. Check your local library and nature centers for these programs. Many are set up during the week and are meant as supplements to pre-schools, but many are also scheduled for days when children are off school. Check out Town flyers and local Pennysavers for other programs.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Long Distance Grandparenting




My granddaughter lives only a few miles away and I see her all the time, so I can’t imagine if she wasn’t. But for many grandparents, long distance grandparenting is the norm. But how do you keep connected with your grandchildren who are so far away? Here are some suggestions you might want to try.

1. Write actual letters: what child does not love to get mail? What should you write? If your grandchild can read, send stories of what you are doing; ask questions to encourage them to write back. Send jokes and cartoons you thought were funny. Send a self-addressed envelope with your letter to make it easy for them to respond. Believe me, your grandchild will come home each day and ask if they have any mail.

2. In place (or in addition to) snail-mail, try faxes. They are more instantaneous than letters and fun for the kids. Most printers have built in fax machines where the grandchildren can scan and share pictures of their artwork and those A+ tests!

3. If your grandchildren have access to computers, tablets, or cell phone, play games with them. There are simple games like Dice with Friends or Words with Friends that can easily be played by many ages.

4. Consider having a collection in common. I collect Simpson characters and my granddaughter loves to go on E-bay to see what characters we don’t have.

5. Finally, the long distance grandparents’ best friend--- Skype and Face Time. If you do not have a Skype account, get one. It allows face to face conversations with your grandchildren. The next best thing to actually being there with them. (http://www.skype.com). If you are thinking what you would “talk” about on these phone calls, go back and look at #s 1-4. If you have already created ways to have something in common with your grandchildren, then you will have lots to share. Come to the conversation with an agenda to avoid those awkward pauses that might make the conversation awkward for the child and make him/her not want to continue the practice. There are some cons to this, such as the child moving around, etc. Be patient; the older the child gets, the more they will be able to sit still long enough to have a conversation.



Thursday, January 15, 2015

Reading with your Pre-Teen and Teen Grandchildren.



When my husband and older daughter get together, their favorite conversations revolve around the television shows they both watch. My conversations with her also revolve about something we have in common, books. These shared interests make for interesting conversations that rise above the ordinary, “How are you? Or “What are you doing in school?”

With the surge of popular YA (Young Adult) books, one of the ways we can connect with our teen grandchildren is to read the books they are reading. When your pre-teen or teen wants to read a book that all his/her friends are reading but you (or the parents) think the subject matter might be too mature, consider this; read the book along with the child.

In my conversation with a social worker on this subject, she suggested that reading together can open discussions on those “difficult” topics like drug abuse, sex, and violence. If the child is asking to read these books, he/she already is curious about them and will find a way to read them anyway. But, if you read them, too, you have some influence on how he/she views the topic, and you can get to know your grandchild better, seeing how he/she thinks. As always, if you are the grandparent or other family member, make sure you get the parents’ approval.

If you have no clue what books might be good for this new adventure, ask you grandchild what he/she is reading both in school and on their own. You can also suggest some from the following list that have been and continue to be popular. (Check out the websites that follow each entry for additional information on these books and some of the films that have been made from them).



1. The Hunger Games trilogy: The Hunger Games #1, Catching Fire #2, and Mockingjay #3: author Suzanne Collins: “In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives.” Written by author

2. The Maze Runner trilogy : author James Dashner: “Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790864/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

3. Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant: author Veronica Roth: “In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergent, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840309/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)


4. The Fault in Our Stars: author John Green: “Two teens, both who have different cancer conditions, fall in love after meeting at a cancer support group.” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2582846/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

5. The Giver: author Lois Lowry: “In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.” (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435651/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

6. The Host (#1) The Seeker (#2) The Soul (#3): author Stephenie Meyer: “The book is about Earth, in a post-apocalyptic time, being invaded by a parasitic alien race, known as "Souls", and follows one Soul's predicament when the consciousness of her human host refuses to co-operate with the takeover of her body.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Host_%28novel%29)

7. The Ghosts of Heaven: author Marcus Sedgwick “A bold, genre-bending epic that chronicles madness, obsession, and creation, from the Paleolithic era through the Witch Hunts and into the space-bound future. Four linked stories boldly chronicle madness, obsession, and creation through the ages.” http://www.yabookscentral.com/

8. Princess of Thorns: author Stacey Jay: “Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.” http://www.yabookscentral.com/

9. Hunting Monsters: author S.L. Huang: “Ever since she was a small girl, she has learned to be careful on the hunt, to recognize the signs that separate regular animals from human-cursed grundwirgen. To harm a grundwirgen is a crime punishable by death...”



10. The Fall: author Bethany Griffin: “Madeline Usher has been buried alive. The doomed heroine comes to the fore in this eerie reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's classic short story "The Fall of the House of Usher."

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

“I would do anything for my grandchildren”, but are you? Grandchild Proofing Your Home



 According to the U. S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, 2.5 million children are injured in the home yearly, some fatally.If you are reading a blog on grandparenting, you must have decided to make your grandchildren a priority in your life, so maybe it’s time to walk around your house and make it more grandchild-friendly.

The first thing we have to do is take a notebook and walk around our homes. I am not suggesting that you get down to their level as is often suggested. We don’t want to childproof our homes and throw out our backs at the same time. Look at every aspect of your home and ask yourself, “What kind of trouble can my curious little one get into here?”

Here’s some areas to look at:

  •     1.     If there are rooms in your home that it would be easier to keep the doors closed than try to childproof the entire room, put a doorknob cover on the knob for that room.
  •     2.     Open each cabinet (even if you think there is no way that your grandchild could reach it) and see what is in it. We obviously want to see if there is anything in there that could poison the child if ingested. If there are, consider putting all those items in one locked cabinet.

         a.     Medicines
         b.     Iron pills: children throw up blood and have bloody diarrhea if ingested.
         c.      Cleaning products such as drain openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers and oven cleaners can cause chemical burns
        d.     Nail glue remover and nail primer; some contain cyanide. The primer can cause burns to the skin
        e. Gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, motor oil, lighter fluid, furniture polish, and paint thinner.
f.       Pesticides
g.     Windshield washer solution is poisonous to humans, both little and big.
h.     Antifreeze causes kidney failure and death if ingested.
i.       Wild mushrooms... if you can’t tell if they are poisonous or not, remove them from the yard.
j.       Alcohol, both medicinal and recreational; alcohol can be found in mouthwash, facial cleaners, and hair tonics.
l.       Mercury (found in thermometers)
m.  Mothballs
n.     Silica gel (those little packets found in new shoes, etc.)
  • 3.     Install safety locks on all the cabinets that have these items in them. DON’T use the ones from the dollar store! This is a time when spending more is worth it.
  • 4.     For medications, take them from the side of your bed and put them under lock and key. I know they are probably in child-proof containers, but children are very resourceful, so why take the chance?
  • 5.     Lock up all sharp objects: knives, scissors, razors, knitting needles, sewing needles
  • 6.    Install  safety gates and window guards: all stairways need to be protected, using gates or doorknob locks (basement). As for windows, make sure the shade winders are secured and out of reach.
  • 7.     Lower the hot water temperature to under 120 degrees and use anti-scald devices on the faucets.
  • 8.     Cover electrical outlets
  • 9.     Look at the furniture in your home and see what kind of danger it might pose.

a.     Could it fall over? Regularly when I was young I would open the drawers in the dresser to try to reach something above it. I frequently had that dresser fall on me.
b.     Does it have sharp edges? There are pads that can be attached.
c.      Is there something on the table that could fall on the child?
d.     Is the tablecloth on the dining table long enough to be pulled on by a curious toddler. If so, what is on that table that could fall?
e.      Fasten bookcases to wall.
f.       Look at all your lamps. Are there cords a child can pull and knock the lamp over? Are there torch lamps that can be pulled over?
  •  10. Kids love water. Make sure there is no standing water and that the toilet has a lock.
  •  11. Ensure you have a hearth cover for the fireplace and the tools are secured away.

  •  12.  Make sure that your staircases are clear. You would not want to trip on anything with an infant or toddler in your arms.
  • 13.  Keep all coins out of reach.
  • 14. Button batteries for hearing aids are extremely small and easy to swallow and choke on.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Are You Tired of Disney Movies?
10  Great Films for Movie Night
How many of our grandchildren think that films begin and end with Disney cartoons?  Well, we know different. Here are some of the movies that breathe fresh air into Movie Nights.

Dolphin Tale (2011):This film focuses on a young boy and how her helps a dolphin who has lost its take in a trap.

E.T. (1982) :This film follows a little boy and his friends who try to help an extra-terrestrial find his way home.

Polyanna (1960): Young girl arrives in town and changes the town’s negative attitudes.

The Princess Bride (1987): A fairy tale with giants, princesses and heroes.

The Muppet Movie (1979) : Kermit and his friends head to Hollywood.

The Incredibles (2004) : Undercover superheroes try to blend in while saving the world.

Babe (1995): A pig is raised as a sheep dog.

The Little Colonel (1935): Little girl (played by Shirley Temple) wins the heart of her heartless grandfather and reunites the family.

The Land Before Time (1988): Little Foot searches for the Great Valley


National Velvet (1944): Elizabeth Taylor tames a wild horse. 

Teaching Our Grandchildren to Respect Animals

1.     I asked my daughter if I could take my granddaughter to the circus for Christmas. I could immediately see the reluctance in her eyes. “Well, if you want to…” It opened the door to a conversation about not wanting Tally to go to places where animals were forced to perform for our amusement. It had never occurred to me that places like zoos and circuses might send a message to my grandchild that animals were here for our amusement. So, out went zoos, circuses, and Sea World. But in were other places I could take her that would help her see the animal world the way nature intended.

I wasn’t quite sure where that might be, but suddenly I began to see all sorts of opportunities. A friend I work with began to post pictures of her trips to watch the seals off the coast of Long Island. I also saw that the local preserve was doing a few programs for toddlers on nature, including one on how the birds survive in the winter. More to come on this since Tally and I are signed up to do this on Wednesday (1/14/2015).

Tally’s other grandma is a vegan, a rather militant one! She is against anything that exploits animals, so for her not only are circuses and zoos out, but also eating any animal or its by-product.  Now, I, myself, am not a vegan; I am a carnivore. My feeling is that if God didn’t want me to eat animals, he wouldn't have made many of them so delicious. But, through, Tally’s other grandma (Grandma Lucky) I see that the way these animals are raised and slaughtered isn't the most humane. So, one of the other ways to be a great grandma is to open the child’s eyes to other ways of thinking and to show that she is here to not exploit animals, but care for them and make their lives easier not better. For the animals, the worst thing that has ever happened to them is us.

http://www.petakids.com/parents/teaching-compassion/.http://www.petakids.com/parents/teaching-compassion/

In an article on PETA’s website, “Teaching Kids Compassion towards Animals,” they recommend that we look into how we treat animals in front of children. Never hit them or demean them. Explain the behavior of animals to the child so he or she has a healthy respect for them.  Even the way you handle a bug that has found its way into your home shows the child that even if you don’t want the bug in your home (who does!) that is not a good reason to kill it. Children will learn from us, so be careful what message you send. I had a neighbor once who was so afraid of spiders that she called me into her home once to get rid of one. The frightened spider had found its way into one of the children’s backpack. I went in to see what I could do, and once we found it, the children all screamed, “Kill it.” My feeling was, “Why?” I lifted the spider out of the backpack and held it in my hand. I told the girls that he was actually just lost. I encouraged them to touch him, and the three of us then went outside and released him into the wilds of suburbia.  Do I think those girls never stepped on another spider…I wouldn't be that naive, but I hope they thought twice.

We can also encourage our grandchildren to be compassionate for pets who have no home, perhaps by volunteering at a local shelter. Many have need of people to socialize the stray animals that are in the shelter and make them ready to be adopted. My daughter and husband recently adopted two kittens to help my granddaughter learn how to care for an animal. One of the kittens was found at a local landfill and now has a loving home with them.  

Also consider watching films such as Bambi, Lady and the Tramp, Shiloh, Free Willy, Babe, My Dog Skip, and Finding Nemo. These films can encourage conversations about the challenges that animals face and how we can help them. Many of these films show the struggles of animals in the wild, and these can help us frame conversations with the child. Many, though, show these animals in captivity. Using Free Willy as an example, younger children can be shown the film and discuss the captivity of the whale and understand it, but for older children it might lead to a showing of the Cowperthwaite film Blackfish. This film focuses on Tilikum, an orca whale that was responsible for three deaths while in captivity.
           
As you can see, we, as grandparents, have the opportunity to help encourage our grandchildren to view issues and think for themselves. The purpose in this is not to tell them what to think, but to give them the tools to think for themselves.

Please feel free to comment on this subject and add what you do with your grandchild that encourages a love of nature and animals.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Grandma Quotes


A mother becomes a true grandmother the day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she is so enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do. -- Lois Wyse

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Why?

I never knew that being a grandparent was so important, and that is why I started this blog. We, as grandparents, have so much to share with our grandchildren, but we need to do it with the full support of their parents. We can never forget that we are grandma and grandpa, not Mom and Dad. We can share so much with these precious grandchildren we have, but we can never forget that we are not the parents. We have raised their parents to be responsible adults, so we need to trust they know what is best for their children.

We as grandparents should be there to enhance our grandchildren's lives. So this blog is here to provide  suggestions on how to do that. Please feel free to share your grand parenting experiences here.