5 Tips How Caregivers Can Make Positive Memories



Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5).

 

In Titus 2:4, the Greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children. The idea that flows out of this word is that of caring for our children, or grandchildren, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as a unique gift from the hand of God.

My Grandma Loflin in front of her little home tucked in the woods.

I have lots of fond memories growing up in the South. But among my favorite would be our annual family reunion each summer. My father’s family, who mainly lived in or around Salisbury, North Carolina, would gather at my grandmother’s tiny bungalow, nestled in the woods a couple of miles from Carolina Beach. I adored my cousins as we were all about the same age. During the day we’d caravan to the beach, ride the waves on canvas rafts, and build sandcastles decorated with seashells. In the evenings underneath a canopy of pine trees in Grandma’s front yard, as the crickets chirped shrilly in the July heat, with sun-kissed faces, we’d sit on rickety picnic tables and feast on watermelon slices and homemade fried chicken.

As caregivers to our grandchildren, we need to be intentional about creating positive memories. Here are a few tips how you can create loving memories that will last a lifetime:

  

1.       Make holidays special. Start new traditions or keep the old, but make them fun and memorable. For example, on the 4^th of July every year, we enjoy a family picnic then head downtown for a spectacular fireworks display. The girls look forward to this every summer.   

 

      2.       Meaningful Vacations. Our granddaughters enjoy going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and staying at a favorite resort complete with a lazy river. No doubt, vacations can be expensive; however, most hotels and resorts offer significant discounts for AARP and AAA members. On the other hand, if an out-of-town vacation is not in the budget, check out the web for inexpensive or free things to do in your area. Whatever you do, make it fun!


3.       Schedule one-on-one dates. We do this frequently. Bella often chooses fishing with Grandpa (her favorite thing in the whole world).  After a long day on the water, they’ll usually stop at a favorite hotdog joint on the way home. Grace, however, enjoys the horse and buggy tour of historic downtown Wilmington. Afterward, we’ll stop at Kelwin's for a double scoop of Praline ice cream. Children need to know they're important. One-on-one time makes them feel special, and that you care.

 

Photo courtesy of Bits of Everything

4.         Making Crafts is a great way to sharpen fine motor skills. Craft making is also a fun way to bond, a great pastime, and a tactile--non-electronic source of entertainment for children! Crafting builds self-esteem and develops higher thinking skills. And best of all, the end result provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Looking for craft ideas? Go online and check out Pinterest, there you'll be sure to find a plethora of ideas. You can also create and categorize your own unique boards.

Grace at the Fort Fisher Aquarium.

 5.      Visit an aquarium. Aquariums offer a great opportunity for visitors to explore marine life. They are scattered all over the U.S., not just in coastal communities.  For example, North Carolina offers 4 incredible aquariums. So far, we've visited three of them! The Fort Fisher Aquarium is  closest and most accessible to us. Recently, Grace and I took a trip there and enjoyed viewing live sea creatures from an albino alligator to tiny neon jellyfish. Grace especially enjoyed eating at the outdoor SharkBites snack bar and shopping at the aquarium's large gift shop. Admission is $8.98 for kids 12 and under, $10.95 for ages 13-61, and $9.95 for ages 62 and above. The self-guided tour takes about two hours. Very economical, educational, and exciting for all ages!
 

   
I want to hear from you!

 

How do you create positive memories with your loved ones? Do you have a favorite memory? Please share your thoughts and comments below.

-Beth

P.S. Be sure and take plenty of pictures during your experiences. Later you and your loved ones can create a scrapbook (another great craft idea!) as a treasured keepsake for years to come.