A “Grand” Guide to Family Visits

The holidays are a time when families come together to share memories and create new ones. Many kids (and grandparents) may feel out of place when not at their own homes so with a little thoughtful planning and fun activities, everyone can enjoy what makes getting together so special! The key to these activities is to do them together to create moments that can be remembered long after.

Shop for Gifts

What kid doesn’t want to go look at gifts around the holidays? While the idea is to go shopping for others, letting them pick out a small gift for themselves can boost excitement. It is also an opportunity to teach kids about the value in giving rather than receiving.

Read a Book

Turn visits into a book club by reading an exciting book aloud so everyone has something to look forward to! Read something new or a favorite book you had while growing up. This can even continue after visits through phone calls or video chats online.

Have a Pajama Movie Party

Getting the whole family dressed in their favorite pj’s is a great way to get everyone comfortable and for the adults to feel like kids again! After everyone gets cozy, pop some popcorn and put in a new or favorite feature flick.

Go On a Scavenger Hunt

There are lots of ways you can do this, and all of them are fun! Leave clues around your house in the form of riddles that lead to a small prize or make a list of holiday items to find. Just create a list, set the boundaries of where to look, and let them loose indoors or outside!

Look at Photo Albums

A good way to keep the kids entertained while also teaching them some family history is to look through old photo albums. Kids, as well as adults, love to see old pictures of themselves, and you can show them what Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa looked like when they were their age.

Create a Family Cookbook

Get the recipes for everyone’s favorite meals together and put them into one book. The book can later be a resource for what to make during family gatherings, and it can always be updated. You can also teach your grandkids how to make some of the recipes.

Play Board Games

This may seem obvious, but you shouldn’t underestimate how much fun a good board or card game can be. Even if your grandkids are used to playing games on digital devices, those can’t quite capture the feeling that comes with playing a traditional board game.

Be a "Grand" with a Plan

We’re not kid-ding! Being prepared helps create a smoother experience for everyone. Check out these tips to get prepped for when young visitors come to stay at your home.

Safety

• Close off, remove, or supervise home hazards (gym equipment, cords, plugs and outlets, breakables, wobbly furniture)

• Childproof cabinets or drawers containing toxic chemicals and medicine

• Remove easy access to choking hazards like decorative items, hard candies, coins,
  and buttons

• Have the right car seat or booster seat if young children will be riding in your vehicle

• Store numbers for the pediatrician, poison control, and neighbors who could help if you needed something quickly

Supplies

• Backpacks or bags for carrying extra items
  on outings

• First-aid: bandages, antiseptic spray, burn salve, ice packs, bug spray, calamine lotion

• Medicines: children’s acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and cough and allergy medicines

• Nightlights

• Table or free-standing fans

• Favorite snacks and drinks

• Blankets and pillows

• Paper supplies: plates, bowls, plasticware, towels, toilet and facial tissue

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste