Most of the 300 articles I have written here in Caring Grandparents have to do with Grandparents’ Rights. Both of my books are specifically about Grandparents’ Rights and the things we can do if there are family challenges around such things as Visitations and time with our Grands. This is as it should be because the withholding of an opportunity to share our Love, experience, and concern with our Grandkids is a travesty.
"The reality of life is that it is complicated. The reality of family life is that it is a multiple of complicated and the reality of extended family is that it is exponentially complicated”.
I realize it doesn’t help those going through this sadness to hear but statistically, most grandparents share a fair amount of access and time with their Grands. A quote from my book is “The reality of life is that it is complicated. The reality of family life is that it is a multiple of complicated and the reality of extended family is that it is exponentially complicated”. This coupled with a 50%+ divorce rate can lead to a family becoming stretched and strained. The norm is that in any given extended family there may be one out of 4 situations that fall into the Grandparents’ rights category. The other three are often normal when it comes to time with our precious little ones.
It is for that reason I am writing this article to share some of the most meaningful outlets for your grandchildren’s awe and energy. What if you think outside the box about activities that are teaching moments for these young and imaginative minds? I am finding many programs that range from a simple horse riding stable to Equine programs that work with Trauma victims, Formerly incarcerated, Veterans, and even organizations like PATH Intl. a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International which advances Equine-assisted services.
Not all of these things require previous skills or even riding. Many programs, like Horse Rescues, welcome volunteers to tend to animals in need. There are many local Horse Rescues farms (just Google it) that would welcome a visit by a Caring Grandparent with his wide-eyed little ones in tow. Just think of the message conveyed to a young mind when they week-after-week help with things that benefit both the rescues and the rescuers. This is what I call a Grandparents magic teaching moment.
I have seen it first hand with my own granddaughter. She would come home with a solid sense of accomplishment and return the next week with a sense of purpose. I like you always look for the things they are interested in and the good things happening in their lives. This is where the appreciation and conversations become the most meaningful.
Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.
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