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Activities 8-11: Tap Their Intellect
by Lambeth Hochwald
When kids turn 8 years old, curiosity levels soar. Now, you can have a real conversation with your grandkids, and we guarantee you’ll marvel at their intellect and desire to connect. Tap into their enthusiasm and come up with at-home activities to match their interests. Believe us when we say that these personalized, imaginative games you dream up may even trump Game Boy. Here, three memorable moments to share with your grandkids.
Playing games
While this won’t wow every grandchild, we're betting that if you dust off your checkers and chess sets, chances are you can interest your grandchild in trying on the games for size. Explain the rules first and let them win ... but just the first round or two.
An updated Trivial Pursuit game is another way to really challenge them and wile away the afternoon. Stash some prizes for the winner (homemade chocolate-chip cookies, anyone?) We’re sure that if the bounty is enticing enough, your grandchild will happily sit across from you as your opponent.
Tap into your inner cinematographer
Sure, your grandchild may let out a trailing ‘Grandmaaaaa’ every time you suggest watching old movies. But, when pitched the right way, this idea can be more fun than you ever imagined.
Here’s how: Pick a couple of your all-time favorite movies. Then, create a pop quiz to go along with each. Next, load up your arms with a bowl of buttery popcorn and an ice-cold pitcher of lemonade and plop on the couch. Have your grandkids mark up their quiz sheets as they go, and let them know you'll give them hints as they need them. Be sure and have a few gold star stickers on hand for affixing to their quizzes. You’ll have a ball, especially if your grandchild beats you with a better score!
Create a memoir
Every kid wants to know what their parents were like growing up. Play a key role in this discovery process and create a lasting memory for your grandkids at the same time. To start, jot down some vivid memories from when the child's parents were 8, 9, 10, or 11. Tell your grandkids the specifics -- from their parents' favorite snacks, quirky habits, and favorite rock stars, to the games they wanted to play again and again, the names of their pets, and the books they read. Don't skimp on the details they really want to hear about: What did Mom or Dad get in trouble for, and what funny things were they known to do?
Scribble these memories down in a blank album and attach any photos you may have. Involve your grandkids throughout the process by asking them to illustrate the stories and bind the book — the makings of a perfect gift for Mom and Dad!
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