Help children develop communication, language and social skills by spending quality time together
There is nothing more precious than spending quality time with your grandchildren, especially since the last 18 months have resulted in many families having limited time or opportunity to do so.
Children grow up so quickly so it is important to spend every moment you can learning from each other and bonding through activities which you both enjoy. According to new research from Play Like Mum, 72% of grandparents babysit their grandkids on a weekly basis and activities such as baking together and participating in role-playing games are a fantastic way to help children develop their skills, and bond together with their grandparents.
Children will find themselves expressing themselves and becoming more confident whilst learning vital skills without even realising when spending time with their grandparents, such as communication, language and social skills, all of which will aid them in later life.
Andrew Coplestone, founder of Play Like Mum, who sell a range of high-quality and innovative dolls prams, shares his insights on how grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy and spend quality time together.
Enjoy Messy Play
Picasso said ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’ So why not enjoy getting creative with your own mini-Picasso’s of art. Grab some paint and glue and make some master pieces together. How about asking grandchildren to paint a portrait of you or make a collage out of some old magazines you have lying around. Who cares if you get messy whilst finger painting, clothes can get washed but those memories of you getting creative with your grandchildren will last forever.
Cook Up a Feast
Cooking or baking with your grandchildren is a great way to progress their academic skills as they measure ingredients and read through the recipes – and it is also a great way to pass down vital life skills too. Learning to cook nutritional meals together is an ideal way to instil healthy habits in your grandchildren while passing down your favourite recipes. It is also a heart-warming way to teach children about their culture and the history of their family in the food you eat and enjoy together.
Enjoy Role-playing Games Together
Role-play is one of the most effective ways for children to develop their skills and is a great way to encourage communication between grandparents and grandchildren. Role-playing allows children to play with more traditional toys such as dolls and dolls prams, enabling children to lead the playtime and cook up fun and exciting scenarios to act out. At Play Like Mum, they have a range of timeless dolls prams catering to children of all ages which create imaginative ways for children to play. Grandparents will often be delighted to see Grandchildren mimic their actions during games. Role playing also helps grandparents to identify any problems their little ones may be having and address them sooner.
Head Outdoors
Want to deter your grandchildren away from digital screens? Why not encourage them to take their play outside! No matter the weather, all you need to do is grab your waterproof, wrap up warm and explore the great outdoors. Teach children about the different trees they might see on a walk together or count how many pinecones you can collect as you stroll through nature. Children can bring their favourite toys along, in bags or in a dolls pram so everyone can get in on the fun.
Set up a Movie Night
Want to wind down with your grandchildren after a busy day but still enjoy quality time together – why not set up your own home movie night? Put on a film from your childhood that they may not have seen with the latest releases, such as The Wizard of Oz or Singing in The Rain and watch them discover cinematic magic. To make it extra special, why not set up a special movie den in the living room with fairy lights and some extra special snacks, then curl up together and enjoy.
As you can see there are many ways to spend quality time with your grandchildren and the suggestions above are just the start. The Daisy Chain’s collection of dolls’ prams and pushchairs create imaginative ways for children to play which is an essential part of every child’s development so why not see how they can help your child blossom and grow.
