Tuesday, September 23, 2014

To everything there is a season..

Fall is loaded with possible fun for grandparents - and conversational opportunities.

Most of the country experiences some change in foliage and opportunities to rake, pile jump, repeat. One of the joys of this stage of life is that we can do the real raking after playtime when the kids are in school. Bless the mess! (Here is a photo of one year when we loaded the back of the pick up truck with leaves and jumped in!)



Collecting leaves to make a simple paste and paper picture can fill an afternoon. Fill a jar with acorns to put out in winter for the local squirrels. Cover pinecones with peanut butter and roll in bird seed for migrating birds.

Fall activities are wonderful for attendance and conversation. Phrasing questions for children is important. Try for questions that need answers other than yes/no. For example, "What did you like best about apple picking?" or "Which do you like better: choosing your own pumpkin or carving it?"

This is also a great time to invite or encourage young families to attend church as Sunday school starts up and fall calendars fill up. If you are near enough to provide transportation, volunteer. If you are long distance, teaching in your Sunday school is a great way to keep in touch with the age abilities and interested of your grandkids.

Celebrate school or sports events with notes or cards of encouragement and congratulations. Those last much longer than e-mail or phone calls!