PRESENCE AS PRESENTS

Coming into the Christmas season we, as Grandparents, have the unique opportunity to make valuable impressions on these young minds that we call Grandkids. Please imagine that instead of another, whatever is popular this year that goes in the pile with all the other whatever is popular this year stuff, you do your research and find that one thing that will light up your grandchild’s life and spend some time with them enjoying this together. You should realize that this takes time and considerable thought but the reward will be commensurate with your effort.

Let me give you an example. Once a year three of my teen/preteen grandkids come for a visit here at the coast of North Carolina. Now this happened in the summer but you can adjust for the season. Anyway, I wanted to do something different this year so I joined them on a Kayak trip down the Black River, just north of Wilmington NC. I will warn you that it is not for the faint of heart but keep reading and you will get why it is important. I am 78 years old and I endured a 12 mile, 8 hour trip paddling a Kayak through the ancient Cypress swamps and had some fun quality time with those yougings.  A most memorable time was sitting on the shore eating lunch and gabbing with three of my Grandkids. The crowning Glory of the trip and something none of us will ever forget is the group photo of all of s standing at the base of a Cypress tree that was alive some 600+ years before Jesus was born. Oh Happy Day!

Okay, I admit to being a bit crazy but I can guarantee that my Grandkids know their old Grandpa wants to remain Present in their lives in a meaningful way. It was well worth the sunburn and sore arms to have a meaningful Presence in their lives.

I challenge each and all of you to zero in on what is important in each of your Grandchildren’s lives and meet them there. Three of the key principles of The Dale Carnegie teachings are;  “Speak in terms of the other person’s interest, Become GENUINELY interested in other people and Make the other person feel important and be sincere about it.” I spent many years assisting in Dale Carnegie trainings and there is a reason why they work. I submit that this is a good approach with our Grandkids as well.

Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.