| Author: Stacey Moore |
Grandparents have a unique relationship with their grandchildren, as authority figures who oftentimes appear to little ones as more relaxed and a little more adventurous in their parenting parameters than their own parents. Having been through the ritual of parenting, grandparents tend to easily balance their responsibilities-being both a trusted advisor and willing accomplice in cowboy roustabouts or princess tea parties.
As a result, grandparents tend to be among their grandchildren's favorite playmates. In addition to helping their grandchildren build social skills through loving interaction, grandparents can also help fast-track curiosity and imagination or observation and language skills with simple games. Consider these playtime tips from Kathleen Alfano, Ph.D., Director of Child Research at Fisher-Price, the next time you're with your grandchild:
When at Home
? Bring a Storybook to Life. Gather everyday items from around the house for costumes and props. As you read the book aloud, encourage your grandchild to act it out, complete with exaggerated movements and sound effects as if the child were in a play.
? Hey, I Know What That Is! Select books on the basis of their content but that also match things in your real world. When you read a book about flowers, view a garden together. When you read a book about trucks, have the child find the truck that most resembles what you are looking at in the book.
When You're Out and About
? Who Am I? While having fun at a playground, the zoo, a beach, on a trip or some place close to home, playing games together is a fun way to pass the time and create a learning opportunity. Try taking on the role of a helper (a zookeeper, lifeguard, bus driver, pilot, etc.) and have the child guess who you are. Then talk about the different jobs people do and how they help. If your grandchild begins to express an interest in an occupation, find books on that career or take a field trip to see if real workers will give you a brief tour.
? I Spy. When you visit a new environment, play an "I spy" game. Have the child try to find things that begin with different letters of the alphabet (for example, "B" is for bridge. Tree starts with "T"). Once the child guesses what you have in mind, talk about size, color, sounds or other characteristics. Adapt the game to your grandchild's level and interests, and be sure to take turns. |
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb. |
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