When your grandchildren visit, you may want to have activities planned that don’t involve video games or the TV. To make the most of your time together, consider some do-it-yourself projects that help strengthen your bond with your grandkids.
Be sure to choose age-appropriate projects and consider your grandchild’s interests. As you progress, take plenty of breaks and enjoy snack times.
Working on projects together is a wonderful way to connect and share wisdom with grandchildren. We’ve put together a list of our favorite DIY projects that are simple and fun for grandparents and grandchildren to do together. Remember not to worry too much about every detail; the primary purpose is to have a great time and enjoy each other’s company.
Homemade Bird Feeders
You and your grandchildren of any age can make simple bird feeders using just pine cones, peanut butter, string and bird seed.
To begin, tie the string around the top of the pine cone, leaving enough length for hanging. Spread peanut butter over the pine cone, then roll in bird seed. Hang your creation outside a window with a clear view of the many birds that will arrive for the feast.
Gardening
Most kids love digging in the dirt. If you enjoy gardening, why not get your grandchild involved? You can share your green thumb — and have an opportunity to tell a variety of stories to your grandchild — by planting vegetables or flowers together. You’ll have plenty of follow-up time together as your grandchild comes over to help water the plants and observe their progress.
Homemade Play Dough
Young children, especially, enjoy working with modeling clay and play dough. You can make your own with one-part hair conditioner and two parts cornstarch. You may need to experiment with the consistency, since some conditioners are thicker than others.
Add a few drops of food coloring to make various hues, and you’ll be set for hours of fun with your project. The dough is not edible, so use caution with very young children.
Baking from Scratch
To whip up treats that are deliciously edible, consider baking with your grandchild. You can find an endless variety of kid-friendly recipes online, and your grandchild can take some of the goodies home or give them as gifts.
Share Your Hobby
Whether you love putting together models, knitting, woodworking or creating art, you can share activities you enjoy with your grandchildren. Consider purchasing kid-customized tools — a small hammer, art supplies or knitting needles, for instance — to capture your grandchild’s interest and imagination.
By working on DIY projects with your grandchild, you can enjoy uninterrupted, quality time that allows you to build a closer relationship.