Engaging in fun and creative activities with your grandkids help to build family memories. I am a big proponent of play, as it is very beneficial for children of every age, and even the kid in you!

Here are five tips on how to engage in play with your grandkids:

Engage in Creative Play in Everyday Situations

Whether helping drive grandkids to school or extracurricular activities, or taking them on errands, spending the time in the car with kids is an opportunity for fun. There are a variety of things you can do when in the car.  You can sing songs, with or without the radio, make up your own silly songs, listen to a book on tape, pick a topic to discuss.  One of my favorite things to do is listen to Adventures in Odyssey by Focus on the Family.

Spend Time Outdoors

I believe that nature is a wonderful teacher! There is so much to do and to learn on a nature walk and being outdoors is good for both the body and spirit. Even if you stay in your own backyard, there are so many opportunities to play outside with your grandkids.

Other activities to do outside are bike rides, walks, playing sports or roller skating/blading.

Let Your Grandkids Direct the Play

Grandparents shouldn’t feel as if they need to plan playtime. The children will let you know what they want to do. If your grandchild is bored then brainstorm with them what you can do together!

Make Memories Through Play.

Be patient during play and remember that you are making memories that will last a life time! Go easy on the discipline and give the grandkids opportunities to be creative…and maybe a bit messy.

Overnight Stays

As your grandkids get older they will enjoy spending the night with you and the fun that can entail.  Be sure to have some fun activities planned—whether it be a movie night, camping in the backyard, or game night—the goal is to make the time you spend together special.

Engaging with your grandkids through play will help them learn and grow in all sorts of ways and will help you to remember what it was like to be a child again yourself.  My guess is you will enjoy it more than you expect. I know I sure do!