Grandparent & Me

Grandparent & Me

by Valerie Segall, Infant-Toddler Coordinator

Grandma and Grandpa, Bubbe and Zayde, Savta and Saba, Mamani and Babayi…whatever we call them, grandparents are special people in our lives. They can connect us to the sacred traditions of our family and of our people. It has been said that one of the most beautiful blessings in Psalms is And may you see children [born] to your children, [and see] peace upon Israel.

Being a grandparent allows us to rediscover the wonder of the world through the eyes of our grandchild. A parade of ants on the sidewalk, a puddle to splash in, a bird chirping overhead…grandparenting provides a second chance to slow down and take it all in. So how can we learn to stop, look and listen in order to build these precious relationships? How can we form close bonds with our littlest ones? In their The Grandparent Guide, zerotothree.org encourages making the most of everyday moments through playing, talking, reading and unconditional love:

Playing
Play is how kids learn about the world. Grandparents are the perfect partners for pretending and exploring. The best toys have been around for a long time: blocks, shape-sorters, and pots and pans perfect for making lots of noise!

Talking
Talking and listening are gifts to give your grandchildren. The more words that babies and toddlers hear, the more they learn. Sharing songs and stories, and answering endless “Why” questions, are great ways to build language skills and the bond between you.

Reading
Every time you snuggle up to read to your grandchild, you’re creating two relationships—the one with you and the one with books. Reading aloud builds vocabulary and language, and it helps your little one develop literacy skills needed later on in school. But to her, it’s just plain fun.

Unconditional Love
Kids need to know there’s someone in their corner, no matter what. That’s a role most grandparents are happy to fill!

For those who grandparent long distance, you can find some ideas for keeping a connection across the miles here:
https://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/long-distance-grandparents/long-distance-grandparent-guide-barbara-graham
http://www.grandsmatter.org/hot-topics/healthy-relationships/top-10-tips-long-distance-grandparenting/

And how can grandparents help pass down, and create, Jewish experiences for their young grandchildren, l’dor vador? If you are blessed with a toddler age (14-30 months) grandchild, you are invited to come experience a Grandparent & Me class here at VBS. Once a week, grandparents and their little one nurture their special bond and make memories in our new Infant-Toddler & Family Center. Guided by loving, experienced teachers who are grandparents themselves, we use all our senses to play, sing, create art, explore nature in our new Discovery Yard, challenge our bodies in the toddler gym, celebrate holidays, Shabbat and more. One adorable carb loving two year old calls us his “Challah School”!

Grandparents enjoy the opportunity to connect with each other and share some of the oys and joys of grandparenting. Francee Davine, a long time temple member, says the Grandparent and Me class with her cherub Eden is the highlight of her week. “…I look forward to the routines, the camaraderie with the other grandparents…it is such a complete joy!” Lauri Lando, “Meema” to sweet Rian, savors not having to “think or plan activities, it’s all here for us and we can focus and give our undivided attention.” She enjoys their special time with “really nice people and an accepting and welcoming environment.”

For more information about Grandparent and Me classes at VBS please contact Valerie Segall at 818-530-4031 or vsegall@vbs.org. Summer and Fall registration open next week.

For more L’Dor Vador:
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/december-2016/what-is-ldor-vdor

…and some wisdom from the incomparable Mister Rogers: