I'm Done Making My Kid's Childhood Magical - Bunmi Laditan

I'm Done Making My Kid's Childhood Magical -  Bunmi Laditan:

'via Blog this'

Our daughter shared this article on Facebook, and it's so very good that I'm sharing it here. The author's points can apply to grandparents as well as parents. (This is where my husband cheers---because I tend to buy things for our grandkids; yes probably too many.) Looking at my previous post, I seem to be on a theme.

There are various reasons for grandparents giving and giving and giving to grandchildren. I know for me, being at a distance (Missouri to Minnesota) causes me to want to bring a present to my two northern grandkids every time I visit them. Or to have something special at our house every time they visit us. They are only four and almost two, and they have plenty of toys at their house, plus the toys we have at our house are often 'new' to them because it's been weeks or months since they last played with them. So why do I do this?

Frankly, I admit at first I was jealous of the local grandparents in Minnesota who got to see our first grandson so often. Add to that they live in the country, have horses, chickens, dogs, cats, and more. Everything a kid loves. I felt I had to compete for my grandson's attention, to make sure he thought I was special. Those jealous feelings dissipated rather quickly, and instead I was so thankful our daughter had the support of her in-laws in helping with the baby. Now I too have that opportunity, to be a support to our local grandson. 

When I started this "Nana Care" gig for Benjamin, I needed to get the appropriate and necessary baby gear. As he's grown, I've either found old toys in our basement for him, or I have bought toys (from eBay and Amazon). These have not been elaborate or expensive (except the ones with jillions of pieces to put together). 


I do look on Pinterest for kid activities and ideas that use simple materials. There are more on my "Kids' Stuff" board than I know what to do with! I need to glean the best ones to put on another board.That is more my intended style, to be creative and play with simple home-made things. 

I fondly remember the many games and activities I played as a little kid in the 1950's: paper doll houses made out of a box with glued-on Sear's catalog photos for furnishings; an oatmeal container cut out to be a doll baby's cradle; tin cans with string for stilts, or for telephones; outside making mud pies; folding paper to make fans, flowers or airplanes; playing in our sand 'box', a used tractor tire on its side filled with sand; old socks for puppets; string and a button for a spinning toy; floating paper boats in the gutter after a big rain; hopscotch; jump rope; and so on. These were fun and magical for me.

Big Project

The beginning of this last week, Pop and I worked for about 2 1/2 hours putting together a little play kitchen for our grandkids, but more specifically for our 20 month-old we take care of during the week. Since Benjamin has a new, larger, heavier kitchen at home now (a Christmas gift from his grandpa in St. Louis), we wanted to have a little place to pretend play/cook here for him. 

The $20 American Plastic Play Kitchen

(made in the USA!) came in LOTS of pieces. Thank goodness Pop is meticulous and good with directions, which I would have rushed through and come out with I-don't-know-what! It was a good partnership project. I did lots of cutting small cookware and dinner ware out---cutting just the little connection pieces. Also had to smooth some out with an Exacto blade and a finger nail file!

Was it worth the time and effort? Of course! Our little guy played with it all day the first day, and of course, some everyday since, but not quite the fascination and dedication as that first concentrated play.

Photo won't flip for me.

I have also had fun making a couple pretend food items for the kitchen using the foam sheets I had on hand from the hobby store.

...the Children Were Nestled

...all snug in their beds...

http://ctgpublishing.com/

Yes, our grandchildren are nestled in their own beds in Minnesota tonight, after a whirlwind, fun, chaotic at times, week here at Nana's and Pop's. I had tears at their departure, which happens almost every time they leave (used to have tears when our daughters drove off to go back to college or work in distant cities). Still, yes, I have had a peaceful, restful day. Saving organization of Grandkids' Room for tomorrow afternoon. Have to get it ready for grandson Benjamin on Monday, although right now I think he won't come until Tuesday because I'm predicting the minus, below-zero temps will close the schools. (The city has already notified us that trash will not be picked up on Monday. Good decision.)

I did have a good snuggle and hug time with our oldest grandson Hugo. He told me 'Nana, we're going home today but in 2 days I'll come visit you again.' I wish. Or maybe...

So today was restful, peaceful, full of reading, writing, organizing my calendar, doing a few things pre-storm like mix new birdseed and fill all 4 of my bird feeders. You know, important things! Also reminded my FB friends to be sure pets are brought inside (probably preaching to the choir there). This very cold weather is a record breaker, at least in over ten years, we have not had it this cold (predicted cold). The northern plains have it even worse, with 25+ below zero. 

So as I get into my comfortable bed tonight, in my flannel nightgown, and on my flannel sheets, in my warm home, I pray for all those who don't have shelter. I pray for all those who work outside in these conditions. And I give my thanks and praise to God for my blessings of warmth and shelter. 

7th Day of Christmas

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" - Laurel Long

We celebrate the 12 days of Christmas which begin on the day after Christmas Day, December 26. Even though the needles are falling off the tree little by little, it still looks lovely and festive. Our Christmas carols still play. At night our tree and wreath lights sparkle and reflect in the dark windows, fascinating our 1-year-old granddaughter.

The three grandkids' play has toys around the house in unexpected places. Our dogs are shedding so add fur to the bits and pieces of wrapping paper left on the living room floor; it could use a good cleaning. My daughters say don't bother, vacuum after they leave! And often throughout the day, a little chaos ensues. Two 1-year-olds and one 4-year-old make for a busy mix. 

One thing that has all three grandkids interested, even enthralled, is a music video by The Piano Guys. Their rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High" is so creative and fun, the kids want to watch it over and over. I recommend it!

Oh, and I wish you a Happy New Year filled with blessings!