Give Them The Gift Of Time
It sometimes seems that my grandchildren are getting older much faster than is possible. In my mind I still see them as infants or toddlers, but the reality does not sync with what I envision. I do know they are just fond memories, however they are ones I choose to hold on to.
Each birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. I do try to spoil them as much as possible, but no gift can ever be as valuable as time and attention. These are something all children look for; something that makes them feel special. A few years ago I started writing letters to them. I wanted to ensure they knew me not only as their grandmother, but also as a person. They each receive a letter every 3 weeks - something to make them feel important.
Now that they are a bit older, they are involved in many extra activities. Although these are good for them in terms of social development and being a part of a team, it does make it more difficult to spend time with them. It doesn't mean they don't want the time and attention, in fact they may want it more in terms of showing me what they can do.
Unfortunately distance makes it tough to travel to many of their games or competitions. We do try to make at least one event for each of them over the winter, and it is such a joy to watch them. If I ever doubt the impact our presence makes, all I have to do is see how their faces are beaming when they see us.
We are still fortunate to have time with each of them during the summer. There may come a day that this too will fade away as sports, jobs and friends take up their time. One thing they will always have are the memories and the knowledge they are important.
You can give a child gifts every day, but eventually they will mean nothing. In fact, in time, they won't even want or appreciate them. However, talk to them, do things with them, and teach them. Give them the gift of your time - that is something they will always cherish and never tire of. And the truth is, you will be the one receiving the greatest gift.
Each birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. I do try to spoil them as much as possible, but no gift can ever be as valuable as time and attention. These are something all children look for; something that makes them feel special. A few years ago I started writing letters to them. I wanted to ensure they knew me not only as their grandmother, but also as a person. They each receive a letter every 3 weeks - something to make them feel important.
Now that they are a bit older, they are involved in many extra activities. Although these are good for them in terms of social development and being a part of a team, it does make it more difficult to spend time with them. It doesn't mean they don't want the time and attention, in fact they may want it more in terms of showing me what they can do.
Unfortunately distance makes it tough to travel to many of their games or competitions. We do try to make at least one event for each of them over the winter, and it is such a joy to watch them. If I ever doubt the impact our presence makes, all I have to do is see how their faces are beaming when they see us.
We are still fortunate to have time with each of them during the summer. There may come a day that this too will fade away as sports, jobs and friends take up their time. One thing they will always have are the memories and the knowledge they are important.
You can give a child gifts every day, but eventually they will mean nothing. In fact, in time, they won't even want or appreciate them. However, talk to them, do things with them, and teach them. Give them the gift of your time - that is something they will always cherish and never tire of. And the truth is, you will be the one receiving the greatest gift.
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