5 Ways to Keep Grandparent/Grandchild Relationships Strong

Grandparents and grandchildren have real, measurable effects on each others psychological well-being long into grandchildrens adulthood, according to a study conducted by the American Sociological Association (ASA). The study also suggests several efforts parents can take to enhance this relationship between their own parents and their kids.
兩沈ere are five simple, interactive ways to improve that connection:兩
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泭Suggest grandparents share family stories with your children. Children at all ages are fascinated by family history and cherish vivid anecdotes that educate and entertain. Sharing when I was your age色 stories are always a great place to start as these stories tend to be the most remembered and passed on.兩
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泭Remind your children to always tell their grandparents Thanks and encourage them to make thank you drawings and notes when they receive gifts. All people benefit from feeling recognized, worthwhile and loved.
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泭Encourage your children write to their grandparents (old-school) and send notes, cards, and drawings. Putting effort into a hand-written card or drawing reflects time, effort, and thoughtfulness. And its still a special surprise for grandparents to receive notes in the mailbox.
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泭Children and grandparents can also connect through technology, and if grandparents arent comfortable online, grandkids can help them learn the new school. Kids and grandparents will enjoy the bond created as they share and look at family photos online or connect on Skype - a great way to keep in touch when you dont live in the same town.
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泭Encourage your children and parents to share their hobbies and interests with each other. While times have certainly changed, we share plenty of common pastimes. Watching ball games, cooking together, or going for a nature walk never goes out of style. When kids and grandparents find common interests, their bond will grow.
Kerry Kirk knows first hand about the power of the grandchild/grandparent relationship. Kerry and her grandmother Anne share a love for baking cookies and sending them to people they care about. This passion for baking has recently become more than a hobby for Kerry. She and her uncle Tim are the Co-Founders of College Cookies, an e-bakery that enables parents and grandparents to deliver freshly-baked cookies to their loved ones away at school.
