| It is often said that the relationship between a | | | | own with the child. Choose an activity or outing you |
| grandparent and grandchild is totally unique to the | | | | know they will enjoy and do it together. Children often |
| general parent/child relationship. As a grandparent, you | | | | act differently when away from their parents and you |
| have all of the benefits of life with a child without the | | | | may get more out of them by spending time with |
| constant day-to-day need to be a disciplinarian, making | | | | them alone. |
| the relationship one of the most treasured there is. If | | | | Have something / something that is just for you. |
| you wish to further this relationship or improve | | | | Grandparents can often been seen as just as |
| problems, try the following tips. | | | | extension of their parents by children, which is an |
| Do not just talk. | | | | image you do not want to encourage. It is important to |
| While the saying may claim it is good to talk, with | | | | establish yourself as a separate entity, without |
| children this is not always the case. If your interaction | | | | infringing on the parents general rules and regulations. |
| with your grandchild is based on you asking questions | | | | The most effective way to do this is to establish |
| about their life, this may satisfy your need for | | | | something that only you and your grandchild do |
| knowledge but may actually have an adverse effect | | | | together without parental involvement. If there is a |
| on the child. They can feel as if they are being | | | | particular hobby or activity that your grandchild wants |
| interviewed, and shy away. Instead, get essential | | | | to try but their parents have not the time or inclination |
| answers - such as doctors' results and school reports | | | | to do, make it "your" thing. This guarantees that |
| - from the parents, and make your relationship with the | | | | whenever the child is reminded of the activity, they will |
| child more fun. | | | | think of you and begin to associate you separately |
| Physical stimulus is the key. Even if you can not run | | | | from their parents. Popular activity choices include |
| around playing with balls, there is still a lot you can do | | | | things that working parents often do not have time for, |
| that will engage the child. For example, if they have a | | | | such as making model aircraft, scrap booking or |
| skateboard, a simple request to be shown their latest | | | | painting. The feeling of involvement and exclusivity |
| trick will light the child up totally. Just watching and | | | | strengthens a grandparent / grandchild relationship |
| complimenting is the best way to establish a rapport | | | | tremendously. |
| between you and allow for continuation, and perhaps | | | | All of these issues, while different, address a similar |
| even develop into a hobby. | | | | kind of theme - spending time with the child doing what |
| Make time for just the two of you. | | | | they enjoy. If you try, particularly with younger people, |
| Many grandparents only spend time with their | | | | to involve them in your hobbies, their interest may be |
| grandchildren with the child's parents present, for | | | | hard to capture and therefore your relationship suffers. |
| example at family meals and functions. To develop a | | | | Play with them on their own terms and within a few |
| deeper connection, suggest spending time on your | | | | months you could be closer than ever before. |