Kids, Fun and Grandparents

I remember as kid that the when my grandparents came over it was fun. They played with us. They had fun with us.

Now, Dads and Moms should also do this. Sometimes it’s difficult with all the daily routine and the tiredness. Try.

Then there are those of you who are grandparents, I have two words of advice to the grandparents.

JUST DO IT

Play with your grandchildren.

Go down on your knees, dive on the lawn, run around like a maniac, read them stories. Play with them.

My siblings and I, were blessed with grandparents who were both role models and fun. So, what do I remember, to this day. I remember all the great fun we had together. I of course also their patience and wisdom in life. I remember help and advice. They were giving folks. As my Grandma said, I cannot take my money with me when I go.

I remember to this day the FUN we had with them.

Deep down, my heart warms up and swells especially when I remember all these fun times we had together. They invested time with us. Time given, is giving of yourself.

It’s easy to give money, a present, anything material. Our Grandparents gave a lot, of everything. Money, material gifts and especially the much more valuable entity, time.

Time is true giving.

My Granddad built a successful business, so giving material stuff was possible. Yet, with all the time he spent at work there was always time to come and play with us.

And yes, play with us.

We would play hide and seek, he would chase us around with us all yelping and he would tell us stories. He made up stories of a fictional character called Johnny. Johnny is the spark that lit the fire for “Magical llamas”. Every evening we would lie in their rooms in the dark and I would tell them about the adventures of three small children and their “Magical Llamas”.

My grandfather was a very impressive, strong and handsome man. The type respected and honored without having to do anything. And yet he did. I can still hear the rumbling knock on the door of the room we were in. And we were thrilled.

I still remember things back to when I was probably four or maybe younger. One of the most memorable was how he would pick me up and hold me close to him, my cheek on his, walk around slowly, and hum a tune. The warmth, security and love still is with me to this day, even now when I am also a granddad.

Our Grandma,  was the highly strung vivacious and “crazy” part of this wonderful couple. She would ride bicycles with us all screaming loudly. Or drive her car and shout in fun as we went down a steep hill. I still see that today. She rode with my brothers on their motor bike. And she also educated. She was strict with correct behavior and had a great common sense. Many of her sayings still guide me today.

We may hear them as we go along on our ventures together.

So, all you Mom’s, Dad’s and especially the grandparents, take just this from my experience.

Give of yourselves, your time.  Have fun with the little ones. Not with toys or anything material. Just you and them playing. Make that effort, because that’s what they really want. That’s what they will remember.

That’s what I remember of two most wonderful people, my grandparents.

This is what we want our grand-kids to remember.

The Fun Time together.