Grannys and Grandkids – Content by Judy
Of the many stages of life there are wins and losses. There are gifts and disasters. There are blessings and tragedies. We can all compare notes of what each of these has been for us, but I will declare loudly my biggest blessing has been being a Granny.
Nothing holds a candle to the moment you hold your first grandchild and realize that new baby is a part of you. In that moment, your life changes forever as you hope to help grow that baby into adulthood. And with each new grandchild that realization continues to grow.
You hold them. You watch that baby grow. You watch them and their parents grow into a family…….. Remembering to be supportive of the parents. Remembering you wanted to raise your kids your way. They do too. So, help the parents by following their schedules and rules.
Build a closeness with those babies because ties between Grandparents and Grandchildren can be so valuable for both groups.
And today’s ways of staying in touch help so much. We have Smart phones, Alexa, text, messenger, Zoom, Facetime, WebEx and so much more. Options seem limitless and sure help Grandparents watch those babies grow even when families live far apart. Plus we can still write a letter. Send a card.
Studies show these relationships have benefits for both. There is less depression in both groups and fewer behavior and emotional problems for the Grandchildren. Even fewer difficulties with peers. Grandparents can help by telling how they handled similar situations when they were growing up. Offer solutions and different ways of looking at things.
And grandkids keep the Grandparents in touch and up to date with what’s happening in today’s world. Expose Grandparents to different ideas and the new meanings of age-old problems.
Grandparents often have the time to spend with the kids. They can often do the things with the grandkids they did not have the time or money to do as they raised their own children.
Grandparents can help teach values. Right from wrong. Reinforce manners and other lessons parents encourage the Grandparents to share. Sometimes Grandparents become the confidant for the kids. The one who they can turn to. The adult who it is safe to share worries or problems with.
And remember it is not all easy!! Like the rest of life there are bumps in the road. Mistakes are made. Things are misunderstood.
Plus keep in mind sometimes a child’s grandparent might really be Great Aunt or Uncle. Or they might not even be related at all. It could a neighbor, a family friend, the babysitter, or someone else who is close to the family. So whoever you are, remember you are important and can truly make a difference in that child’s life. And your life will be much richer for it too.
So, help the parents. Offer date nights. Babysit. Have a sleepover.
Get out there and take a kid to a museum, a park, for a walk, play a game and you will both have a great, meaningful time.
MedRIDE II- Free Regional Transportation Program Montville & Norwich Seniors
If you are in need of medical transportation, call the new MedRIDE II program. WE can help. The town of Montville and City of Norwich have joined together and received a grant to help transport seniors to medically necessary appointments. Do you need to go to Yale, New Haven, Hartford.
(Critical Appointments only at this time.)
Foot Clinic with Dr. Thomas Walter
Come and get the Foot Care you need. Our On-A-Good-Foot Program can help. Foot care not covered by Medicare will be paid by a grant received from Senior Resources with Title III funds made available under the Older Americans Act. A suggested donation of $6.00 is appreciated and helpful, not required. Dr. Thomas Walter, Podiatrist comes to our Center once a month to perform routine foot care. Call for an appt 860-848-0422.
(Please call Doctor if having issue- Home visits possible)
BETTER HEALTH PROGRAM
The Montville Senior Center is offering a FREE Better Health, Mental Health, Program at the Montville Senior Center. Many people find the holidays difficult, or suffer from depression, have anxiety, or just need someone to talk to. Mental Health is a very important part of health care so you can be as healthy as possible! Don’t neglect your mind while taking care of your body! Join a group for discussion sessions or sit down one-on-one with our licensed clinician to talk! This program is made possible with a grant received from Senior Resources with Title III funds made available under the Older Americans Act. Don’t miss out on this great service! It’s never too late to start to take care of yourself—mind, body, spirit! Call for details and/or an appointment! A suggestion of $1.00 per visits is appreciated. Thank you!
(This program is being provided via phone call- please call if interested.)
Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Wise! Content by Judy
So here we sit with Coronavirus snuggled up right next to us on the coach. And yeah, I’m not liking it very much. You? How about we ask those germs to please leave? Tell them they have overstayed their welcome? Just flat out tell them to get out!! I don’t think any of us could have ever imagined or thought up a worldwide situation like this!! But it is what it is and we need to all – Be Safe, Be Smart, and Be Wise!
When we think of safe, we often think of being secure, protected, free from danger. In this situation being safe is… Stay home. Keep 6 feet of space between you and others.
“WASH YOUR HANDS”
We have started using “My Tribe” “My Circle” “My Posse” as a way to refer to those closest to us. So be sure they are safe too. Contact those loved ones, friends and neighbors. Work together to make things as good as you all can. Take care of each other and stay safe.
Now let’s Be Smart – Use your time wisely. Create new routines because being together for way more hours than usual can create difficult situations. Find new ways to stay calm. Maybe find a yoga video. Learn to meditate. And you can probably find what you are looking for online. YouTube is amazing. Take a look – There is like nothing that is not there. Learn something new, maybe a craft skill, a new language. Watch silly movies. Make your own videos. Share them with those you are missing. Share online. Make others laugh. Make a list. And do the things at home you never seem to have time for. Enjoy the great weather and start spring cleanup. Get the garden ready. Clean closets, cabinets, paint that room, reorganize, fill out your census form. Be smart and “Don’t hoard” For everything you have too much of – someone else needs it. Just what are some of you going to do with 100 rolls of toilet paper??? Buy what you need and leave the rest for the next guy.
And “WASH YOUR HANDS”
Be Wise – take care of you!! If you don’t – you can’t take care of those around you. Be nice to you and nice to those around you. Develop a new schedule. Structure helps. Be thankful for those still out there taking care of us. The xray tech, the nurse, the doctor, the CNAs, police, EMTs, firefighters, TRUCK DRIVERS, everyone that is still working. AND Stay positive!! Don’t hoard!! Use your time wisely!! Plan parties and events for when this is all over!! Look at this as more of a gift than a punishment
and “WASH YOUR HANDS”