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Is it just me, or are many of the “old” ways of parenting/grandparenting often looked down upon today? Sure, spanking is questionable, but our parents and grandparents did other things not even considered in this modern age.
Remember when chicken soup cured the flu and/or cold? Or how grandma would put a bar of soap under the sheets to cure a Charlie horse? (In hindsight, that may be strange.) Also, don’t knock castor oil until you experience its effects!
It’s time to take a walk down memory lane and re-visit some of these old-school tricks that still work, beginning with (of course):
1. Chicken soup is the cure-all and end-all to all of life’s ailments
Is there anything more wholesome than a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup? Not only is it delicious, but our grandmothers believed it could cure any minor illness! Even in today’s age of modern medicine, I happen to believe a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup can do wonders for the soul and the immune system.
2. Put some soap under the sheets for leg cramps
Did anyone else’s grandma do this? Is it a placebo thing because I swear it worked for me (and there is no science backing up how this can be)!
3. Castor oil… bleh!
I challenge anyone to find a better cure for constipation than castor oil. (I don’t think it exists!) Castor oil is a powerful laxative that can help the body break down and eliminate waste. However, I highly advise you to consult a doctor before using it with your grandkids.
4. Mind your manners
Kids today are not raised as we were, and it shows. Some may call it old-fashioned, but teaching kids to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ never goes out of style. Instilling this basic etiquette in your grandkids helps them develop respect for others and fosters a sense of gratitude in their daily lives.
5. Family is everything
Meals around the dinner table and attending church with your grandparents every Sunday is sadly no longer the norm, but that doesn’t change the fact that family is everything. It’s a fast-paced world, but I encourage my fellow grandmas to still schedule regular get-togethers and to keep up with family traditions.
6. Firm but loving discipline
I already mentioned what discipline was like when we were kids, and while those extremes are unnecessary, it is still essential to be firm with your grands. Teaching kids about consequences and responsibility is just as relevant today as it was in our time. Balance is key here: show them love and affection and guide them when they veer off course.
7. Save, save, save
Most of our folks lived through the Depression and War, so they knew the importance of saving for a rainy day and instilled these principles in us. In today’s world of instant gratification, teaching kids the importance of saving money and delaying gratification can instill financial responsibility from a young age.
8. Home cooking > A meal from an overpriced 5-star restaurant
Fast food might be a convenient option (and a meal from an award-winning restaurant can be fun occasionally), but nothing beats a meal made from scratch with love. Passing down your favorite recipes can promote healthier eating habits and keep family traditions alive.
9. Feed a cold, starve a cold
While not entirely accurate, this saying has some truth to it. Eating nutritious food can help your body fight off a cold, while fasting might allow it to focus more on battling a fever. However, remember that it’s crucial to keep yourself or your grandchild hydrated during illness.
10. Lavender for sleep
I have noticed lavender – primarily in the form of oils – is making a big comeback (and for a great reason!). Lavender has been long recognized for its calming and soothing properties, often used to aid sleep. Why not try making a simple lavender pillow spray with your grandkids? The gentle scent can help them wind down and fall asleep more easily.
Conclusion
How many of these age-old remedies and methods did your grandma use? Which am I forgetting? As always, let me know – and let’s talk again soon!
