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CONNECTING WITH GRANDCHILDREN

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neil

It is easy to forget the rules of good human relations when we are talking to our Grandkids. One of the tenets of my Dale Carnegie training is that we should speak in terms of others' interests. This is especially true when it comes to our beloved grands. We tend to miss the part about them growing up. As you know it doesn’t serve us well to talk to an eight year old boy the same way we might talk with his 15 year old sister.

An image of thumbs up symbolizing affirmation

AFFIRMING

A grandfather engage in his mobile phone an image depicting that grandparents can use modern technology to connect with family.

A grandson navigating an electronic device with his grandma creating a bond with the use of modern technology

The single best source of ideas when it comes to speaking with our grandchildren is their parents. The next best is to take a peak at their family or personal Facebook page. ALERT! Social media is a place foreign to most of us Grandparents so I advise that you consider long and hard before you comment on your Grandchild’s Facebook page. Social media is a world unto itself. Just be aware when you venture into the world of social media that it is their world, not yours.

Let’s try to make some lemonade out of what I just said. A great way to have some good and valuable conversation with your teen or pre-teen grandchild is to ask them to tell you all about social media. Even if you are an old hand at this stuff it may be interesting to play dumb (in my case, easily done) and just listen.

A grandpa learning to use a mobile phone with his grandson teaching him creating an openness and a good grandpa-grandson relationship

If you would like to be the best conversationalist on the planet become an active great listener and throw in a few questions. Example; “Salle, I am confused and I will bet you can straighten me out. Can you explain the best way to learn about social media? Like what is the difference between Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat”? At this point close your mouth and nod often! MAGIC

Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent. Grandpa NEIL

_{One of the tenets of my Dale Carnegie training is that we should speak in terms of others’ interests. This is especially true when it comes to our beloved grands.}