It’s the time of year when many grandparents step in to care for out-of-school kids while parents work. It can be a challenge and a joy, so to balance the scales more to the joy side, here are a few suggestions that might help make it easier and more fun for everyone.
Decorating cookies is always fun, but kids may lose interest with the baking and eager to get to the decorating. We make candy because it’s quick to make and surprisingly easy. Peanut brittle, caramel corn and english toffee can all be made, start to finish in about an hour, and ready to eat almost immediately. Even dipping pretzels in chocolate is easy, fast, fun and yummy!
If decorating cookies is a must, bake plain sugar cookies or gingerbread men ahead of time and let the decorating fun begin.
Homemade gifts can be fun. Making coupon books as gifts is a great holiday project. Kids can make coupon books for parents and siblings. It’s fun to get creative with ideas that parents and siblings will enjoy. Favorites include “I’ll scoop the kitty litter for you for a week,” “I’ll do the dishes for you once, whenever you ask!” Big kids can read to younger kids, promises not to complain … the ideas are limitless! Pinterest has wildly creative craft ideas.
Movies are a perennial favorite. Go ahead and budget for the popcorn and drink and enjoy a G or PG movie for a change.
Richmond offers great opportunities for kids and grands:
- The Virginia Repertory Theatre’s T’was the Night Before Christmas runs through December 29. Visit http://va-rep.org for more information and tickets.
- The Visual Arts Center offers workshops with hands on opportunities to get creative.
- The Virginia Museum can be a great outing, as long as you allow your grandchild choose what to see and how long to stay. We found kids love ancient history and modern art. Let the kids lead the way, you may want to visit areas that don’t interest them, so guide gently.
- The Science and Children’s Museums offer wonderful hands on activities.
- We love Carytown, with shops featuring chocolate, toys, costumes, gifts and so much more.
- Visit Monument Avenue and get out of the car and see them up close.
- Visit Krispy Kreme on Broad. Splurge! Buy a dozen, and enjoy them as you watch donuts moving along the conveyors.
- Explore Richmond! Know where the Milk Bottle is? How about Connecticut? Bojangles? Take a camera as you explore!
The secret is to be creative, look for opportunities to share and create memories. We’d love to hear what you like to do in Richmond with your Grands! And don’t forget to send pictures of how you spent your holidays with you grandkids.