10 Ways to Make Visits From Your Grandchildren Go Smoothly
Having your grandchildren over is always a treat. However, visits don’t always go smoothly. Maybe it’s their first time visiting you, or maybe they’re in a bad mood. It happens! Although you can expect a lot of hugs and laughter, there will also be tantrums, crying, and meltdowns. If this happens, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean every visit will be this way, especially if you accommodate them while they’re at your house. Here are some tips to make visits from your grandchildren smooth and happy!
1. Adjust your schedule to theirs.
Let’s face it: Most of us are set in our ways. However, with kids, their bedtime, wake-up time, and mealtimes are important. This, of course, means that you’ll have to adjust your schedule to theirs during their visit This will probably mean getting up at sunrise, eating at specific times, and going to bed earlier than usual. It may take some getting used to, but this is what it takes to have cheerful and rested children!
2. Keep some of their favorite toys and books at your house.
Talk to your kids ahead of time and see what your grandchildren’s favorite toys are. Then buy a few to keep at your house. You can also go to the library and take out books, music, and movies for free. Another option is to borrow toys from a friend or neighbor. This way, the kids will have some of their favorites at your house, and that will automatically make them feel more comfortable. Of course, this will help fight boredom, too!
Some ideas include:
- Favorite dolls
- Action figures
- Board games like Candyland, Clue, and Guess Who?
- Jax
- Jump ropes
- Bikes
- Arts and crafts
3. Find out what foods they like.
Kids these days eat differently than your kids did. Talk to the parents about likes and dislikes, food allergies, and parent preferences. You may find out they don’t like spaghetti but will eat steak. Some kids have food allergies to eggs, nuts, milk, seafood, etc. If your grandkids have food allergies, make sure you are clear about what they can and cannot eat. Also, ask about medications or an EPIPEN and how to use it. Mistakes can happen, and it’s better to be prepared! You will also want to ask the parents what foods they usually eat at home. They may let you have one or two days where you spoil them and let them eat whatever they want and then have them on a strict diet the rest of the time.
4. Ask about car seats.
If you have little grandchildren who can’t sit in the car by themselves yet, ask the parents about their preferences with car seats. Then purchase them and install them in your car. If you’re unsure how to do it, you can find websites and online tutorials to walk you through it. Having your own car seats will make your visit much smoother because the parents won’t have to remember to bring them or take them back home.
5. Remember that kids aren’t always on their best behavior.
Kids are just like us and have bad days, too. Instead of being flustered or frustrated, sit down with them and talk about it. Maybe something is bothering them, and you’re just the person to help them talk it out. On the flip side, they may be tired, hungry, or cranky for no reason. Kids have bad days and are moody just like us, so take it in stride. It won’t last the whole visit!
6. Be clear about rules.
Kids need boundaries and clear rules. Ahead of their visit, talk to their parents about the rules they have at home and what they want to be enforced at your house. When your grandkids arrive, let them know what rooms and other items are off-limits. You will also want to figure out where they can play safely and perhaps set aside a toy room or dedicated space just for your grandkids.
7. Keep your cool when kids forget rules or break things.
Kids are kids and will sometimes forget the rules or break things. When this happens, let them know you saw what they did, but try not to let your anger or frustration show. Remind them of the rules and move on. After all, your relationship with them and their parents is more important than a smashed vase!
8. Always be ready for a trip to the store.
When packing for a trip, it’s easy for parents to forget things, so always be ready for a trip to the store. Sometimes, you’ll run out of diapers, wipes, or pull-ups. Or you will misplace something like a pacifier. Of course, other needs may come up, like running out of snacks or forgetting an essential at the store for yourself. Life with kids is unpredictable, so always be ready for a quick trip!
9. Prepare for sickness and accidents.
Sometimes, kids will get sick or have an accident while they are visiting. Talk to the parents about what they recommend putting in a “sickness/first aid kit” full of children’s pain relievers, medicine for upset stomach and diarrhea, a thermometer, band-aids, gauze and tape, burn ointment, and even more. Discuss what to do if they have an accident and how to handle the financials, including insurance and payment. Make sure you research where the nearest walk-in clinic or ER is in case you have to use these services. If you have to go, stay as calm as possible so you don’t further upset your grandchild.
12. Ask open-ended questions.
Have you ever asked a child a question and they give you a yes or no answer? It can be frustrating when trying to start a conversation. Instead, ask open-ended questions they can expound upon. This will make them feel truly heard instead of merely talked at. Plus, it will let them know from a young age that their opinion is important, allowing them to feel like an individual.
Takeaway
Having your grandkids over to your house is always fun, but life is unpredictable. While you can’t prepare for every scenario or problem, you can be prepared for some! By following our tips, you can help ensure that your next visit with your grandkids is happy and memorable for all the right reasons. Now, that is truly what grandparenting is all about!
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Originally published October 11, 2024
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