Yesterday I read a Dear Abby letter that made lots of sense. The story a 62-year old grandfather of a 5-year old granddaughter shared was sweet, and insightful. His strategy for sharing a day with his granddaughter resulted in a positive experience for both generations. He reported that he will use this approach often…
Grandfather had many things he had to tend to during the day. You know, those errands and the stuff of life that we all must get done. And granddaugher certainly had an agenda of her own — play with grandpa and do fun things. How could it all fit together for both grandfather and granddaughter so that the day was both successful and meaningful to both? This grandfather decided there needed to be a planned schedule for the activities that mattered to adult and child. So he made a list of eleven items that he presented to his granddaughter when she arrived for her visit one morning.
So here was the plan that Grandpa Robert from Lexington, KY developed. (Note that he factored in both the things he wanted and needed to do and strongly considered what sorts of things his young granddaughter typically had in mind.)
No. 1 — Do their exercises to get “strong.”
No. 2 — Write all of granddaughters letters and numbers.
No. 3 — “Go on adventure.” (For this family that means walking the dogs and exploring a nearby field.)
No. 4, 5, 6 — Go to the bank, get car washed, then go to the park to play on the swings and slide.
No. 7 — Per suggestion of the child, eat lunch at a favorite restaurant across the street from the park.
No. 8 — Another adventure. (Take the dogs on a walk again.)
No. 9 — Painting time for the child and clean up.
No. 10 — Wash the dishes and Swiffer the floor.
No. 11 — Granddaughter to choose something to do. (She chose playing with her dolls for the next two hours.)
Grandpa said he was exhausted at the end of the day, but decided that lists will be part of their routine from now on. He slept like a log that night, and I suspect his granddaughter did as well (with a huge smile on her face)!
What type of schedule might you put together in getting through a busy day with your child or children?
Certainly each day would be different, but I wonder if our kids wouldn’t be more cooperative and fun to be with if we had a shared plan to guide us… I, personally, like how this grandfather alternated his chores with activities his granddaughter enjoyed. It was a nice balance.