Ten New Year’s Resolutions for Grandparents

Being a grandparent to my two grandchildren is one of my most treasured roles in life. In 2023, our main grandparenting goal was to move within walking distance of our grandkids. We accomplished that, and we have no regrets! As we begin 2024, I’m setting some specific grandparent-related goals. These are my ten grandparenting resolutions for the New Year.

1. Science experiments

When my first grandchild was a toddler, we began simple science experiments, and he loved them. I need to resurrect those experiments to do with my three-year-old granddaughter and find new ones for my six-year-old grandson. Science is not my specialty, but they love it, and learning new things is good for all of us!

2. Volunteer at their school

I’ve been on a few field trips with my grandson’s class, and it was tiring but fun. I want to do lunch duty. It’s a short assignment, and it would be a way to be more knowledgeable about his classmates and school.

3. One-on-one time

I love spending time alone with each grandchild. It’s the best way to get to know them and have the opportunity to talk about what interests them. My grandson and I have our special outing a few times a year: lunch at White River Fish Market and then an afternoon at Tulsa Air and Space Museum.

4. Parks

Parks are free and fun. When the weather is nice, we pack a picnic and head to the park. We usually keep it simple and go to a park close to our house. We also love the Gathering Place! It’s one of the best parks in the country, and it’s right here in our city!

5. Read

Reading to kids is one of my favorite things to do. It’s never too early to begin reading to your grandkids, and even after they know how to read, keep reading to them! My grandkids can be running wild, but if I sit down and start reading a book, it’s almost like I hypnotized them. They will come over, cuddle in my lap, and listen intently. Reading to children has many essential benefits, and I pledge to read to my grandkids more often in 2024!

6. Travel

I’ve gone on a few trips with my daughter and grandkids, but I would love to take some trips with my husband and grandkids. There are companies that specialize in grandparent-grandchildren trips, and they look fabulous. Those trips are not in our budget, but the Oklahoma State Parks are affordable and full of fun opportunities! I advise you to reserve your space early because they book up fast for summer trips!

7. Get Fit

Yes, you’re still reading the right blog. What does getting fit have to do with grandparent’s resolutions? I let my fitness level drop off this year. I could give you ten plausible reasons why I was a fitness slacker, but when it comes down to it, they are excuses. Staying fit gets more difficult as we age, but I need to be able to keep up with those grandkids! Or at least get up off the floor after playing with them! I sometimes wish I had been a younger parent and grandparent, but that’s not the deck of cards I was given. I’m going to have to work at it to stay active with them and be a participant rather than just an observer in their lives.

8. Set an example of kindness

We all want our grandkids to be smart, athletic, and well-liked, but I’d surrender those qualities to have my grandchildren be kind. I won’t bore them with lectures on kindness, but I’ll strive to be a kinder person. I’ll attempt to set a good example by speaking in a pleasant tone and saying please and thank you. I’ll aim to be patient with people, tip better, return the cart to the grocery store corral, and say a nice word to someone every day.

9. Take professional pictures

I want a professional picture of my husband, myself, and the grandkids. I have procrastinated because I kept waiting for the magical anti-aging fairy to come along and zap away the extra pounds, gray hair, and wrinkles I seem to have acquired. It’s time to set aside my superficial vanity and have those pictures taken before my grandkids are grown. My mother struggled with her weight, and because she felt self-conscious about it, she avoided the camera. I don’t want to make that same mistake.

10. Boundaries

No matter how much we love our grandchildren, we do have to remember that we have limits. It’s OK to say no to babysitting. We are entitled to our hobbies, lunch with friends, and time alone. Find a balance and communicate your limits.

There’s a reason there are so many quotes about the grandparent-grandchild relationship. It’s a kind of love that’s hard to describe because it’s like no other. I knew I would love being a grandparent. But even though I eagerly anticipated the role, I’ve been gobsmacked by the intensity of love I feel for my grandchildren!

I’m looking forward to a new year and more opportunities for time with my grandchildren. Unlike the resolutions I usually set and forget, I may actually accomplish my grandparenting goals. What are your grandparenting goals in 2024?