As you go through your teenage years, and even into young adulthood, sometimes you can find yourself becoming “too busy” to call your grandparents. Often times, we forget to even stop by and bond with them face to face. It can be challenging to balance between academics, social life, and even working but hopefully, the tips listed below can be incorporated into your routine to try to get close with your grandparents again or create a close bond with them that you’ve never had before.
Check-In
I know this may seem self-explanatory, but calling every once in a while to see how your grandparents are doing as far as health and well-being really goes a long way. Not only should you talk about them, but talk about yourself as well. Making them feel informed about your life can really help to continue or create a new conversation. Staying informed on each other’s lives can also give you topics to follow up on the next time you all speak. Also, depending on how comfortable you feel, you could take it a step forward and vent to your grandparents. Asking them for their advice or expertise in some situations can really prove to them that you not only trust their opinion but value it as well. You may even gain some great words of wisdom.
Utilize Going Out
Making arrangements with your grandparents to go out, and have a little fun is always great. Some people, once they’re older, tend to only hang out with friends or colleagues instead of family. Spending quality time with family, especially your grandparents, is another essential part to growing a tight-knit relationship. Even if your grandparents aren’t the type to go out all the time, you could always try walking around the neighborhood with them or taking them to the park to get some fresh air.
Maybe even instead of having your grandma cook or your grandpa barbeque, you can take them out for dinner to give them a break. In many families, the house of the grandparents is normally the helm for all events so giving them a break from hosting or cooking is really thoughtful.
Send Them Letters
This probably sounds so old-fashioned, but hear me out!!
In the digital age that we live in now, people have gotten so far away from writing with pen and paper. Many of our grandparents grew up in a time period where things weren’t so digital, so don’t you think that taking the time to sit down and write them a short but sweet letter will make their day? You could even try sending pictures of yourself along with the letter or a gift card for either of your grandparents as a gesture to remind them that you still care and that you love them. Just letting your grandparents simply know that you were thinking about them can just make their day – so why not go the extra mile?
Everyone doesn’t have a close relationship with their grandparents. Some people are simply not able to maintain one. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have the potential to create that bond. It’s the little things that add up!