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When my first grandson was born, I became a stay-at-home grandmother, quitting my job so I could care for the baby after his mother returned to work. I love it, and I feel incredibly grateful for the time I get with all of my grandchildren.
That said, I’m 56 years old, and while the young mom I used to be would say things like, “Children don’t need a lot of toys. They need to learn to create their own fun, the middle-aged woman I am now says, “How can I keep these little guys happy for eight hours? Just tell me what I need, and I’ll buy it!”
All grandparents, whether they watch their grandchildren for half an hour or a whole weekend, probably feel the same way. We want what’s best for our grands–a creative environment that encourages independent thinking. But we also want to preserve our physical and mental well- being by keeping those little tornadoes busy and happy. To that end, I’ve created a list of must-have items for hands-on grandparents.
Must-have items for hands-on grandparents
UPPAbaby Remi Playard (Amazon)
The Remi is a safe, breathable, easy-to-use playard. It’s an all-in-one sleep and play solution that works from birth through toddlerhood. It functions as a bedside bassinet, travel crib, and portable playard. Use the included mesh bassinet for newborn sleep, then remove it for playtime or travel. We have this one for baby’s visits and it’s really handy.
Lunix Foam Play Couch (Amazon)
These modular sofas, made specifically for toddlers and children, aren’t just a comfy spot to watch TV. In fact, they are more for building, climbing, and creating than for lounging. Kids can use them to make indoor forts, create obstacle courses, or simply engage in some safe roughhousing.
My 18-month-old grandson loves for me to stack the cushions as high as I can and then shout, “BAM-O!” as he knocks them over. It’s a great way to burn energy. And when he’s good and tired out, I arrange them into a “nest” where he takes his afternoon nap.
BlueWood Store Pikler Sets (Amazon)
Kids need to engage in minor risk-taking play. It’s how they gain confidence and learn their limitations. But grandparents are often disinclined to encourage risky play because we don’t want our grandchildren to get hurt–especially not on our watch.
The great thing about these climbing sets, designed for children 6 months to 5 years old, is that they are a safe way for little ones to challenge themselves.
Lalo First Bites Silicone Baby Feeding Set (Amazon)
As baby grows, if your kids come over for meals, this set is good to have because it comes with everything they need to start eating solids.
Art Supplies
Making art with children, especially little ones, can be stressful because kids are messy. But most kids love to create, and things like coloring, painting, and working with clay or dough are a perfect way to keep little hands and minds busy—so sometimes the trade-off is worth it. Dot markers are great because they are the perfect size for little hands, and they are washable!
Play-Doh was one of my secret weapons when my two youngest were little, and I was homeschooling their older siblings. They never got tired of playing with it, and Play-Doh accessories are available for children as young as one year. The other thing that kept my littlest ones entertained for hours was their own easel and While finger paints might seem like a huge mess, as long as they are washable and the children wear a smock, cleanup is relatively easy.
Sandbox or Sand and Water Table (Amazon)
Mostly for outdoor play, but we are talking hours, HOURS! Of creative fun!
Disho Store Dress-Up Clothes (Amazon)
One of the best gifts my kids ever got was a box of dress-up clothes. My sister-in-law shopped thrift stores and post-Halloween sales to supply them with superhero costumes, princess dresses, animal costumes, silly hats, and more. They didn’t play with these things for hours. They played with them for years.
Now, dress-up clothes are easy to find online, but anything can be a costume–old prom dresses, silky scarves, hand-me-down recital costumes, or anything kids can use to pretend and use their imaginations.
Books!
Never underestimate the power of a good library to keep children entertained. Not only that, the social, emotional, and academic benefits of reading to children are immeasurable, and the hours spent cuddling up reading together are priceless. If you’re not sure how to curate a quality library for your grandchildren, start here.
Board Books for Babies
And here are some of my personal favorites for babies are Board Books for baby are Brown Bear Brown Bear by Bill Martin and Eric Carle and Baby’s Box of Fun by Marion Dane Bauer and the Peekaboo series which are a series of interactive books.
Games You Can Play While Lying Down
Some days, these might be the most valuable resources in your grandparenting toolbox. When you’re too tired to supervise an art project, you cannot build one more couch fort, and there’s no way you can stay awake through another reading of Frog and Toad, you’ll want some things your little ones can do while you lie on the floor in a state of semi-consciousness, yet also still playing.
Get them a doctor’s kit, and you be the patient who is too sick to lift her head. Or start a collection of toy animals and blocks. so you can lie nearby while your grandchildren build farms and zoos, and you say inspiring things like,
“Wow!” and “Looks awesome!” A toy kitchen also allows you to stay in a semi-recumbent position while enjoying delicious imaginary treats prepared by your grandchildren. There are lots of options. The key is to find something your grandchildren are so into that they won’t realize you’re only passively participating.
I remember being exhausted as a young mother. So, it’s no surprise to me that I get tired (like in-my-bones tired) taking care of my grandchildren. Being an active, hands-on grandparent is definitely not for the weak, but it is a lot of fun–especially if you are well-equipped to keep your little ones busy and happy!
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