This page dedicated to all the grand kids out there. If you don't have any biological ones, adopt some. They will give you endless joy, a few headaches and heartaches, and a good measure of revenge on your kids as well.
FacebookEverything I know about my grand kids I learned on Facebook. My kids post all kinds of photos, tell daily happenings, brag, and reply to each other. When you're miles apart, this social media network helps you keep in touch. I know. Bummer, but, kicking and screaming, I drug myself over there, created an account, and keep up to date.
BakingAs a child oriented activity, it can't be beat. Stir up a batch of yeast bread. Even a two year old can stir, measure flour into a cup with a tablespoon, and knead the dough. Then portion each child a small mound of dough which they shape and place on a greased baking sheet. Keep the shapes of similar volume for even baking. If one child has a two cup loaf, while the other shapes are all tiny, the tiny ones will burn before the larger one is done.
Alternatively, use two baking sheets, separating by size.
Making cookies from scratch is just as fun, and the kids love seeing what they made come out of the oven changed into a solid form.
This is highly educational, and can be nutritional if you like.
Found Art
Save broken jewelry, one of a kind earrings, belts, and other shiny things. Kids love to sort and glue these found art objects into what I call "wall sculptures". Suitable background supports would be wood, fabric, or plastic. Paint the supports first with acrylic, glue , and coat with a clear protective sealant.
Finger painting is always popular and can be done on large sheets of paper and window shades. One important tip: use primary colors, choosing only two at any given time. If you use all three (red. blue and yellow) the result will be a muddy brown. Allow the two chosen colors to blend and dry together before introducing the third color. Overlapping water colors are very pleasing, if painted in stages and allowed to dry.
Kid love a good Scavenger Hunt. Make a list of things to find, depending on your area. If it will be in your back yard, a dandelion, a three leaf clover, a man made object (this could be a pre-planted pop top, or can) and a white rock could all be on the list.
If you're camping, this list can be expanded. If you're on a hike, there can even be teams, each person scouting one side of the trail.
Gardening
is becoming a lost art. Grandkids love to plant large seeds like bean and peas. If you presoak them, they will germinate quicker, and give the little guys something to watch and tend every time they come to visit. They may even eat some vegetables! Onion sets can be planted early in the spring, and can be used when young and tender as a garnish. No need to wait for the strong flavor to develop.
Planting, identifying seedlings, pulling weeds, and harvesting are all good activities and educational. And, its cheap entertainment!
SeminarsPlace pieces of paper in a jar, each one having a topic written on them. It could be as simple as how to make a proper peanut butter sand which, how to wrap a present. Then, have each child pull out a paper, take 10 minutes to gather props, and prepare their presentation. Each child gives their presentation. This can be very hilarious. I don't give prizes for best presentation, because its not a competition, its an event. My kids did this for homeschooling on a regular basis.
more ideas to come-please check back
