Many Grandparents invite their Grandkids to tag along with them as they Volunteer at their various organizations and causes. This is a good thing, for sure. How much more powerful is it if we listen to what they are interested in regarding volunteering? I have shared that my teen Granddaughter has shown an interest in horses and has worked with a program that utilizes horses as a vehicle for rehabilitation and therapy for Veterans, First Responders, Previously Incarcerated Folks, and Trauma victims. She and I have some meaningful and substantive conversations about her beloved horses and the all-important subject of Empathy.
It would be short-sighted of me to say sit and talk with your Grandkids and follow their leads as to what they want to be a volunteer for. Consider if your eight-year-old grandson wants to work with Incarcerated folks. I would think that could be scary and maybe not at all advisable.
It may be better to talk with their parents and get some guidance and help with this approach. By and large, I sense that it will be more like doing a 5K walk for some worthy cause and thinking, “You get a Tee Shirt,”!. No matter the actual activity, you will be creating a healthy and mutually exciting subject that will foster some honest, meaningful dialogue.
Almost every Sunday morning, when my three teen grands are on their way to church, they call me and hand the phone from one to the other. I have to be creative to find other questions than the easy way out, “How is school going?” It requires me to keep up to date on things like Band Competitions, upcoming extracurricular activities, etc. I also must keep up to date with my best friends, etc. It takes effort, but it pays extraordinary benefits and always strengthens our bond.
It is on par with attending sporting events, plays they are in, etc. You are showing a strong interest in them individually. I can promise that all your efforts to Truly Connect with your Grandkids will be returned exponentially.
Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.