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Ready or not, your grandkids are headed back to school! Are they excited or not so much? (I have a mix of the two.) Back to school can be exciting and scary, so I like to do special things here and there that show them their grandma is thinking of and proud of them.
While there are many ways a grandma shares these sentiments with her grands, I have compiled a list of easy, last-minute tips that are guaranteed to build and maintain your special bond – even when they are in the classroom:
1. Create a “wise words” jar
Fill a jar with pearls of wisdom, little pieces of advice, and uplifting quotes so that every time they face a challenging day or a big test, they can pull one out for a boost of grandma’s wisdom.
2. Craft original, one-of-a-kind supplies together
Oh, the joy of fresh pencils and untouched notebooks! (Please tell me that I am not the only one who enjoys fresh school supplies!) Make these squeaky clean supplies even more special by spending an afternoon together decorating and personalizing school supplies. This little craft session is more than just beautifying school items – it’s embedding love and memories onto things they use every day.
3. After-school story swap
Do your grandkids love storytime? Mine, too! Set aside a day each week for a good old-fashioned story swap where they can share a highlight from their school day, and in return, you can tell them a story from your childhood. If you want to make it even more special, have their favorite snacks on hand so you can both munch and dish.
4. Memory lunchbox notes
Remember when a little note could light up your entire day? Why not tuck a tiny note of love, encouragement, or even a funny joke into their lunchbox as a little midday reminder that grandma’s thinking of them? And don’t be surprised when they start leaving notes for you in return!
5. Backpack surprises
Sticking with notes and surprises, you can even slip a little something into their bag for them to find during school. Whether it’s a sweet note, a small trinket, or even a lucky penny, this seemingly tiny gesture equates to a warm grandma hug that is just waiting to be discovered.
6. Grandma’s homework cafe
Homework can be a drag… unless, of course, it’s done in ‘Grandma’s Café.’ Set up a little nook in your living room with comfy cushions, snacks on standby, and maybe some soft background music. Remember, it’s not just about getting the work done but creating a loving environment where learning feels like a treat.
7. Sew an essential
If you’re handy with a needle and thread, why not pass down the skill? Teach your grand how to sew something they’d need for school, whether it be a cute fabric book cover, a pencil pouch, or even a mask. While you’re stitching fabric, you’re also weaving cherished memories of quality time spent together and teaching an important, lifelong trade.
8. Decorate a “study star” chart
Back in our day, there was something incredibly satisfying about getting a gold star for a job well done… You can revive this tradition by creating a ‘Study Star’ chart together so that each time they nail a task or overcome a challenging piece of homework, they get to place a star on the chart. Once it’s filled, they can be rewarded with something of grandma’s choosing.
9. Walk and talk
Mornings can be hectic, but a serene walk before the school bell rings? That’s like a breath of fresh air – literally and metaphorically. Introduce a ‘Walk & Talk’ tradition where, once a week, you walk them to school. It’s a relaxed time to chat about anything and everything. Are they not within walking distance of the school? You can offer to drive them once a week, too!
10. Celebrate!
Why wait until the end of the school year when you can celebrate the little achievements along the way? Whether it’s mastering a challenging subject or getting a star in art, every win deserves some recognition – and who better to throw a mini-celebration than grandma?
Conclusion
Back to school is more than just a new class and new books – it’s a fresh chapter filled with countless opportunities to sprinkle in a touch of grandma magic. Let’s dive in and create heartwarming memories that they’ll carry with them even long after the school bell has rung. Happy bonding!
