I was blessed with three new granddaughters last year, bringing my total to 11 grandchildren. Let me share with you a few things I've started to help out my children and their families. We are fortunate to all live near each other, so it's easy to get together often.
Tuesdays - Craft Night
I get together with the moms for a craft night and the dads keep the children. This gives the moms a night to work on things without the kids underfoot. My oldest granddaughter (Katie Ann, age 9) also comes and works on her own projects and her Girls Cre8 Craft Club projects. It gives us girls a chance to talk and relax. It usually works out that we do this twice a month.
Wednesdays - Preschool Class/Family Dinner
On Wednesday afternoon we have a preschool type class for the 3-6 year olds. The moms help the 3 year olds, an older sibling helps the 4 year old and the 6 year old works on his own. The kids love this time. They talk about going to class at grandma's house all the time. We do crafts, learn letters and numbers for the youngest ones, have an outside activity and can't forget snack time! Then we all have dinner together that evening.
Thursday - Date Night
On the first Thursday of the month, I keep all the grandkids so the couples can have a date night. I make dinner for the kids so the moms don't have to worry about feeding them. I make myself available from 5:00 on allowing the families to come and go as their schedules dictate. On the weeks we have date night, we don't have craft night.
- Inexpensive Dates - Suggestions for fellow homeschoolers
More for Grandparents
As I mentioned, we all live close by. I see my children and grandchildren all week long. I know it's harder for those that don't live near their grandchildren. Susan Adcox, the About.com Grandparents Guide, has some wonderful ideas to help long-distance grandparents stay connected with their grandchildren.
What is your experience as a homeschool grandparent? What role do you take? How do you help out? Share Your Story
