Do you hope and pray that your grandkids will always be as kind and pure-hearted as they are now? Guess what? You, Grandma, can help them along their way, beginning with acts of kindness you can perform for those around you!
While making and handing out blessing bags and/or helping community members in need is a great way to be, taking care of those closest to us is vital. In terms of the latter, here are 13 kind things that you and your grandkids can do for others:
1. Prepare a meal together
Do you know someone who just had a baby? What about someone who has lost a family member or is going through a difficult time? Giving them the gift of a home-cooked meal is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for someone. Grab your grands, whip up a favorite dish, and deliver it to a neighbor or a family friend for a delicious way to show you care!
2. Make homemade cards
Whether you are making that meal or trying to do a small act of kindness for someone, a homemade card goes a long way. Spend an afternoon with your grandkids making personalized cards and then send them to friends and family (especially those who might feel lonely). Seriously – is there anything better than receiving a lovely card in the mail?
3. Plan a surprise visit
Talk to your grandkids’ parents (your kids!) and organize a surprise visit to a relative or a family friend. A little chat and laughter – especially when there are cute kids involved! – can brighten anyone’s day.
4. Offer to help someone in the garden
You know I love to garden, but boy, it is hard work! If you know someone who loves their garden but can’t keep up with it, grab your grands and help with weeding or planting new flowers. Believe me: It’s a great way to get your hands dirty and make something beautiful together!
5. Organize a family photo day
Life goes by too quickly, so capture it as often as possible. A unique way to do this is to gather all the generations for a fun photo shoot. Once you have the photos, you and your grandkids can assemble one-of-a-kind scrapbooks for everyone in your family.
6. Help grocery shop
Encourage your grandkids to assist an elderly neighbor with grocery shopping (or offer to pick up essentials for them). If you, Grandma, have the means, you can even help someone less fortunate with their weekly grocery bill.
‘Tis the season for delicious sweets, so why don’t you and the grands bake cookies or cupcakes and deliver them to friends and family? Baking together is not only fun, but sharing your creations with others is even sweeter!
8. Craft for a cause
Kids are so creative, which you can use to brighten someone else’s day! Together, you can make simple crafts like knitted scarves or painted pots and give them to those who would appreciate a handmade gift.
9. Host a tea party
Who doesn’t like a tea party? Can you imagine having a rough go and having it turned around after attending a get-together with tea and treats? YOU and your grands can host this special gathering, complete with wonderful refreshments and company.
10. Curate a family recipe book
Do you want a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind heirloom you can share with those you love? Compile family recipes and share this book with family members for a tasty way to preserve family history.
11. Volunteer to do chores
It’s time for your grandchild to take the reins by volunteering to do someone else’s chores! (You can plant this seed by asking your grandchild to put his or herself in the recipient’s place, i.e., “How would you feel if someone did something nice for you without you having to ask?”) Remind them that simple tasks like tidying up, dusting, or organizing take little time or effort yet can be a big help to someone!
12. Organize a donation drive or clothing swap
Gather gently used clothes from your own and your grandkids’ wardrobes and organize a clothing swap among friends and family. Alternatively, you can donate these clothes to a local shelter.
13. Set up a check-in schedule
With your grandkids, create a schedule to regularly check in on elderly neighbors or relatives via simple phone calls, video chats, or even quick visits. This consistent act of reaching out can mean so much, especially to those feeling isolated.
Conclusion
Kids love to help others and be helpful when and wherever they can, and it is important for their parents and us grandparents to keep their servant’s hearts beating! Have fun with this one – and let’s talk again soon. 🙂