Despite feelings of nervousness, the new school year is an exciting time for all! Why not include grandparents in this unique time? Try these following ideas to get them involved!
- Have your child decorate a simple frame and write “1st day of school” on the frame. Then print a first day of school picture, place it in the frame and give it to the grandparents as a gift. Each year, you can print a new picture for the frame.
- Have the grandparents write a handwritten letter to each grandchild to share thoughts, hopes or memories of school. Then have them mail it to the child. Who doesn’t love to get mail?
- Set up a time for the grandparents to tell their grandchildren about what school was like for them when they were that age. For older children, they can write a list of questions they want to ask.
- Children often get new supplies and clothes in honor of the school year. Why not have grandparents participate in this ritual? It does not have to be costly or involve a laborious shopping trip. It truly is the connection that matters. Knowing that grandma and grandpa bought you the new backpack or new pencil case you wanted can feel great for a kid!
- When the first week of school is in the books, have your child send a postcard with an update on school. EVERYONE loves mail!
If this was helpful to you, you may want to consider the Big Book of Tools and/or the Pocket Guide of Tools for more strategies to help your child deal with their stuff, time and information. Check out www.michelleporjes.org for information about ordering.
