Wednesday, January 03, 2018

By Robert Martin Grandparents can be an emotional rock, a wise friend and a playful elder - the 'go-to person' when parents aren't available. Here are some tips for grandparents to build closer relationships with their grandkids:

Be in touch regularly.  That might mean Skyping or calling once a week, however you can connect with your grandkids. Don't just visit over the holidays.

Surprise them with outings. Pick them up early in the day and take them on surprise outings; only the kids' parents know where they are going, such as to a baseball game, a kayak or fishing trip, or a visit to a kids' museum or animal shelter. It could be something they've never done before.

Use terms of endearment. I call my granddaughter Keira 'Gumdrop' and I called my granddaughter Clara 'Cupcake.' My two young grandsons are 'Scooter' and 'Slugger.' When I say goodbye in person, in notes or on the phone, I always use the same phrase: 'I love you - big time!'

Encourage them to think outside the box. I like to brainstorm ideas for solving problems like city traffic. There is a right answer that is safe, and there is a home run that has risks. I ask them, what is the home run? What does it look like?

Do things they wouldn't expect grandparents to do. When I ran the New York City Marathon, my grandchildren couldn't stop talking to their friends about it.

Martin is a children's advocate and author who writes books with his granddaughter Keira Ely, including the bestsellers "The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels," and "SuperClara - A Young Girl's Story of Cancer, Bravery and Courage."

He founded the nonprofit Bridge to a Cure Foundation to tear down the deadly barriers impeding the timely development of pediatric cancer treatments and cures.

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