Summer Vacation Memories in the Making
Children spend extra time with their grandparents during the summer.
Grandma and me! Sweet as can Bee!
Art and text from Cute Grandma Puns by Sonica Ellis
It’s June already. School’s out for summer! (School’s out forever!) I’m aging myself here; did you sing that like Alice Cooper, too? Summer vacation is a cherished season for grandparents and grandchildren to bond, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's a week-long visit or daily adventures, these moments are invaluable.
How Much Time Do Grandkids Spend with Grandparents during Summer Vacation?
While exact figures vary, my search indicates that grandparents in the United States see their grandchildren an average of 2 to 4 times per month. However, during summer breaks, this frequency often increases, with some families arranging for their grandchildren to stay with them for extended periods, sometimes for the entire summer. (Yes, please!) Additionally, when grandparents provide childcare, they spend an average of 13.6 hours per week with their grandchildren.
What can Grandparents and Grandkids do together?
This depends on the ages of both grandparents and grandkids, of course, but here are some of the top activities that grandparents and grandchildren enjoy together. Some of these are familiar, or maybe your family has different ways to have fun.
Gardening: Planting flowers or vegetables offers a hands-on experience and teaches patience and responsibility. This can be tough in Texas, where I’m at, due to the heat, but it is doable.
Fishing: A peaceful activity that allows for conversation and connection, this is definitely for grandchildren who have had water safety training.
Playing Mini Golf: A fun, low-impact game suitable for all ages. No mini golf courses in your area? A hallway, a putter, and a solo cup will do the trick, too!
Cooking or Baking Together: Sharing family recipes or trying new ones fosters teamwork and creates delicious results. Nana’s brownies are the best! I even included the recipe in one of my books.
Crafting: Engaging in arts and crafts stimulates creativity and allows for the creation of meaningful keepsakes. Keep it simple with watercolors, crayons, or even chalk on the sidewalk.
Outdoor Adventures: Activities such as hiking, bug hunting, or nature walks encourage exploration and appreciation of the natural environment. Beware of chiggers (I’m itching as I write)!
Storytelling or Reading: Sharing stories, whether from books or personal experiences, strengthens bonds and enhances literacy. As you can imagine, this is my favorite! I have some book recommendations specifically featuring grandparents below.
Is it important to spend time during Summer Vacation with Grandparents?
I think so. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I only had one living grandparent and spent a total of one week in my life visiting her. I didn’t realize what I missed until later in life. As a grandparent to my first grandson (who is 18 months old now), this topic has become particularly important to me. So, if it's possible, I say do it! Spending time with grandparents during summer offers numerous benefits:
Emotional Support: Grandparents offer a sense of security and unconditional love, thereby contributing to their grandchildren's emotional well-being.
Cultural and Family Heritage: Through shared stories and traditions, grandchildren gain a deeper understanding of their cultural and family roots.
Life Skills and Wisdom: Grandparents impart valuable life lessons and practical skills, enriching their grandchildren's development.
Mutual Health Benefits: Engaging with grandchildren can enhance grandparents' mental and physical health, providing a sense of purpose and activity.
Summer presents a golden opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to connect, learn, and create lasting memories. These shared experiences not only enrich individual lives but also strengthen family bonds across generations.
If you’re looking for a good read to strengthen those generational bonds, here are some children’s book recommendations for you:
Cute Grandma Puns by Sonica Ellis - Who doesn’t love a good pun? Short and sweet with adorable art, everyone is sure to giggle.
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan - A NYT bestseller, this is obviously a popular choice
Nana Needs a Nap by me - I know, I know, but if you haven’t read it yet, now is the perfect time. It’s set in the summer and is a lot of fun. Does Nana get her nap?
My Grandparents Love Me by Claire Freedman - Heartwarming, with zebra characters, this is a special book to read together.
Ethan’s Word of Honor by me - Ethan learns a lot from his Papa Eagle. Generational wisdom builds character.
If you’re a grandparent, what are your plans with the grandkids? If you’re a parent, will your kiddos be spending extra time with their grandparents this summer? Do you have special memories of time with your grandparents? Send me a comment! I want to know.