Storytellers and Role Models

As a grandfather, two important roles you can play are as storyteller and role model.

The Magic of Story Telling

Grandparents are often the family historians, and can add a rich sense of ancestral and family traditions to a child's life. At the very least, most grandfathers can tell great stories about their own lives.

So, captivate your grandchild’s imagination with stories about kampong life, or being a policeman back when they wore shorts, or a construction worker who helped build Singapore, or share your adventures from your youth.

Children will recall these stories for many years to come. They will also remember sharing grandpa’s special hobbies and teaching grandpa about their own hobbies. If you love sports, tell your grandchildren about your favorite sport or the places you used to frequent for these sporting activities.

For instance, tell them what swimming in Katong was like before public housing came into the picture. Or tell them about the interests or activities that used to fascinate you. Share with them your family recipes if you love eating and cooking, If you collect things, tell them why you love your toy cars or trains.

These shared interests can lead to many more shared activities, which the grandchildren can then pass on to their children and grandchildren. They will anchor many happy moments of bonding with your grandchildren, while ensuring that the family legacy lives on!

My Grandfather, My Hero

Grandfathers make good role models. Just by being yourself, you can impart important values and life lessons. Do you do volunteer work? That teaches your grandchildren how to be mindful of the less fortunate and become good citizens who contribute to society.

Do you wash the dishes or do laundry? You're showing grandsons that gender roles are not cast in stone, and that family responsibilities should be shared. Are you good at fixing or making things? You’ll teach them that patience, problem solving, and perseverance can result in some beautiful creations. Are you a good listener? You'll show them how much you love them and value what they have to say.

Things to Do

There is a place for a storyteller or role model in practically any activity that grandfathers can do with their grandchildren. Grandfathering may be basic and functional in nature, such as feeding or supervising young children.

Or it may involve more developmental activities like reading or craftwork. No matter the activity, it can be fun for both grandchild and grandfather.

Here’s a list of 10 activities you can do with your grandchildren in and outside the home:

At Home

1. Sing karaoke together. You can pick the songs you like from your youth and your grandchildren can pick theirs. Then mix them up. When the young ones sing the oldies and vice versa, this almost guarantees a good laugh.

2. Read to them. This instills a love of books and literature at an early age.

3. Teach your grandchild a hobby you love like guitar or woodworking.

4. Keep a scrapbook you’ll both remember of all the special things you did together. Get a starter kit together at the craft shop, brainstorm on themes and decorating ideas for the book. Watch it blossom and grow to become a memento for posterity.

In and Around the Neighbourhood

5. Ride bicycles along the park connector networks. Show them how proud you are of them that they can cycle without wheels. This will boost their self-esteem as well as their athletic abilities.

6. Go to the park and feed the fish in the pond some day-old bread.

7. Show your grandchildren around your neighbourhood and introduce them to your friends and neighbours. This will indirectly show them that you are engaged in the neighbourhood you live in.

The Great Outdoors

8. Bring your binoculars and go on a nature walk, whether in the nearby community park or at Sungei Buloh, pointing out bugs, trees, birds, and butterflies. Don’t forget to also bring plenty of water and a little treat you can share together after the trail.

9. Go for a swim, picnic, barbeque or a fishing trip together. These timeless activities are sure to be a big hit with the young ones.

10. Take photos of each other posing at local landmarks and even just places you like.

A Two-Way Street

Ultimately, the best grandfathering activities flow naturally from the interests of both the grandfather and grandchild. Remember that being a grandfather isn't all about giving. You get a great deal in return. Spending time with your grandchildren can be extremely rewarding and a lot of fun.

Let these youngsters into your heart and you'll soon feel younger in mind and body. Share your wisdom with them and you'll be able to leave a lasting mark on your family's future generations. A grandfather couldn't ask for more.

References:

1) http://aarp.org/family/grandparenting/articles/grands-grandfathers/html
2) http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grandparenting.html#role
3) http://www.grandparents/com/gp/fllpg/dnld/index.html
4) http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/grandparenting/grantenfunthings.asp
5) http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/grandparenting/grangifttime.asp