October 2009

When I was younger, I used to think that a grandmother had to be a certain age (maybe 60s or 70s).  When I was in my mid thirties, I was in a store with my niece and nephew.  The cashier said that my grandchildren were cute.  What?! I just looked at her and said that I was their aunt.  I started thinking about her comment.  She was used to seeing grandmothers at a younger age, whereas I was used to seeing grandmothers at an older age.  Grandmothers today are not the same as when I grew up.  Their needs are different depending on their age.  However, one thing they have in common is being a grandmother.  Planning activities for grandmothers of a wide range of ages can be challenging, but it can be done. 

Here are a few ideas: 1) Get with the grandchildren and put together a scrapbook that tells the history of the family; 2) Start a mentoring group to assist the younger grandmothers; 3) Pamper yourself with a trip to the spa, go out to eat or go to the movies. If you are a senior grandmother, take advantage of the senior discounts; 4) Get a Bible for grandmothers to strengthen and encourage you while you are nourishing others; 5) Volunteer at a shelter or senior center; 6) Start a book club.  Whatever you decide to do, it will be a blessing to others who are in need of your wisdom.
                                                           

“Grandparents know everything.” Bengali Proverb