Saturday, October 3, 2009

Grandparent’s Club

On Thursdays, we head on down to a local nursing home to spend some time with our “adopted” grandparents.  When we were first asked to join this group, I was thinking this was going to be a real stretch for the kids.  I even wondered if it would take them too far out of their comfort zone.  I  thought we could try it.

Each of the kids have their own grandparent they sit with each week.  They visit, do a craft together, have a snack, and then play a little Bingo – complete with prizes from the Bingo Basket!

When the kids got in the car to leave after our first visit, they asked me when we were going back.  I told them we would go next Thursday. 

Then, they shocked me with their response.  They said…

You mean we get to come and do this EVERY week?!

What a blessing to this momma’s ears to hear them say “get to” instead of “have to”.

Grandparent’s Club is super easy.  We have around 10 families that come each week.  Every week, one mom brings a snack (I brought cinnamon mini muffins and cups of water) and one mom brings a craft the kids can help their grandparents with.  We all pitch in items for the well loved Bingo Basket.  That’s it!

The kids learn valuable lessons.  We teach them we are there to bless our grandparents.  The kids don’t earn Bingo prizes - they help their grandparent mark their cards and the grandparent wins the prize.  Also, the kids go and serve their grandparent the snack first, then they can go get one for themselves.  And, we make sure all the grandparents have made it back to their rooms (some need to be wheeled), then we leave the place cleaner than we found it.

The lessons are great for the kids, but I’m also so happy they get to meet interesting people with great stories.  That’s the beauty of having the same grandparent each week – getting to know them.

Here are the kids having some fun. 

IMG_4332  IMG_4330

Car was so happy to find a grandmother that will make funny faces and play with him.  Look how precious she is!  She’s 90 years old and was copying what Car was doing.  I love it!

 IMG_4331

6 comments:

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

That is amazing.....Love that!!!! God is sooo good to provide for young and old alike. I really love that idea.

missy said...

this is such a neat thing to do with your kids. for 10 years now i've been saying we're going to adopt a grandparent at a nursing home and yet i never do anything about it. this might motivate me to action finally!

Tara said...

what a great thing to do!!!!!! luv getting to watch your little man change, he looks so happy and content!!!!!

mandi said...

oh- so sweet! i love that shot of 'eldest' and his grandma. so engaged in each other...

and those pics of baby G! oh man, i can't get enough of him!

Maria and Family said...

What wonderful kids you have ! I love this idea!! I can imagine the joy this brings everyone :)

Ron & Maria said...

LOve this intergenerational connection!