Page 6 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine

Focus
FAMILY

THE
Magic of Making Memories

with Grandkids

Summer is an especially strategic time with grandkids
to build memories and encourage growth, so we asked
one “Nana” to share some of her favorite activities with
her grands.
by Lisa Dalton

randkids have been the public libraries, pottery studios, 26, one of my favorite things
best gift of our lives. We paddleboard and kayaking, and is creating simple experiments
Gknow this isn’t the case for a wide variety of city parks, all such as making boats to test the
everyone, but we are blessed to of which provide opportunities number of pennies they will float,
have ours close by. (Their parents to create lasting memories and roller coasters out of pool noodles,
are gracious to allow us many strengthen family ties. Our son slime, volcanoes, stomp rockets,
opportunities to hang out with and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and lava lamps, and more. Fostering
them.) It is our privilege to come Vanessa, have encouraged screen- curiosity and love of learning
up with fun activities we can free summers, so their kids are through experiments develops
enjoy together, which leads to the in the habit of seeking creative the science skills of observing,
real treasure of listening to each opportunities to explore new hypothesizing, and trial-and-
other while sitting around a table activities and hobbies. error. Those critical thinking skills
or a fire. In this fast-paced world, are not only fun but will serve
grandparents can slow things We often choose simple activities them well throughout all areas of
down with old-fashioned fun. like building forts; making life.
Research is discovering that time clay figures or pots, painting
spent with grandparents fosters on canvas, wood, rocks, or Engaging in physical activities
growth in the midst of pleasure. plaster; and constructing towers like bowling, miniature golf, laser
School holidays and summer are and bridges out of craft sticks, tag, swimming, and bike-riding
perfect opportunities for us to spaghetti, or pipe cleaners. helps us adults stay active, too.
make memories. Observing the children using their Often, the fun is maximized when
imaginations and listening to their friendly family competition is
A few years ago, “Pops” cleared conversations is delightful. They involved.
a section of our garage to store develop confidence as the siblings
totes filled with supplies for inspire and motivate each other, Almost everyone enjoys the
yard games, science activities, and I enjoy seeing each child’s opportunity of an amusement
and crafts like sewing, painting, unique personality develop. park, so we traveled to Amarillo
and jewelry-making. I can easily Pottery studios offer each child a last summer for a trip to
Google activities, and the totes chance to select a unique ceramic Wonderland. The kids got up
make it easy to grab the box we pottery piece and share time with early and packed a picnic lunch.
need when we get together at siblings. It’s fun to witness them We made new memories on the
their house or ours. We love doing enjoy an activity together and road trip--talking, singing, and
activities at home and sometimes express their individuality at the playing road games in the car.
look for activities outside the same time. The spontaneous conversations
house as well. Lubbock is in the car are among my favorite
fortunate to have destinations As a public-school teacher for memories—some of life’s best
like the Science Spectrum, 40 years and science teacher for treasures for older folks.

6 Lubbock Senior Link