I don't know how it is for everyone but it is my experience as a grandmother that it is easier to be involved in the lives of my younger grandkids than in the lives of my pre-teen and teen-age grandchildren. The older ones get busy with friends and with school or sports activities and a lot of the time I "spend" with them is watching them in a school performance or from the sidelines of their sports events with barely a chance to say "good game" when the game is over.
So, when my oldest granddaughter, Hope, 11, texted me a couple of days ago and asked if I would take her and my two oldest grandsons, Jared, 13, and Justin, 10, to Target I, of course, said I would come pick them up and take them. They were not looking for any sort of bonding time with Grandmom. They had Christmas money and Target gift cards burning a hole in their pockets and needed a ride and the requisite adult accompaniment.
It was no big event or special activity but it was a fun time for me to get to spend these moments with these kids in a way that happens far too seldom these days. I liked hearing what they talked about to each other in the car, listening to their shopping advice to each other and observing their different shopping styles. Jared was very studied in his selections, knowing just what he wanted and making sure the box hadn't been tampered with indicating a returned item. Hope also knew what she wanted but was a bit more flighty in her decision making. She kept very good track of exactly what she was spending as she went. Justin was especially attracted to anything that said 50% off.
I'm not sure that the money they spent was all spent wisely, but they provided some priceless moments for their Grandmom.
I love that they called you! Obviously they like being with you or they would have picked someone else -- I think they DID want to spend some time with you. And Target was a good reason and it worked out for all!
ReplyDeleteLucky you. What a wonderful and memorable day!
Hi, Jeanie! This is a problem most grandparents share. When my granddaughter was a little girl she used to follow me around, hang on me, want to sit in my lap and would engage me in nonstop chat. Now she's a young woman of 16, involved in high school choir and theater. I attend her performances after which there is only a moment to congratulate her on a fine job before she runs off with friends her own age. There comes a time in every child's life when they distance themselves from older folks. Hopefully the pendulum will swing back as it often does and a closer relationship will be reestablished when she's an adult.
ReplyDeleteHave a good evening and a happy Thursday, dear friend Jeanie!
I know it had everything to do with spending time with you, not just the chauffeur factor. They obviously love shopping with you. Someday, I hope to have that kind of time with my granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteWe take it whenever we can get it! I'd drop everything in a heartbeat to do what you did! How fun...for all of you! I just hope I still have a license by the time my grandchildren want me to drive them someplace fun!!!
ReplyDeleteGood that you seized the opportunity, so to speak, Jeanie, and took this opportunity to spend with your grandchildren! I always enjoyed driving my kids and their friends around, just to hear what they were talking about in the back when they thought I was driving :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I understand. I have two grandsons that are in middle school. Football games, band and choir concerts, soccer are on my calendar. When I get to take them shopping or out for ice cream or something I too think those times are precious. I treasure playing board and card games with them but it is now more like once a month rather than once a week.
ReplyDeleteI also find it challenging to stay connected to my older Grands, especially living so far away from them. Good that you share a texting relationship with them too. I signed on to Instagram just so I could follow along with the photos my Grands post.
ReplyDeleteI love i when reminded on your post that we both have Hope granddaughters that are 11. Just wish mine was close enough to call me up for a ride somewhere.
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope mine never grow up. I love them so very much. Rylan is 3 and Julia is 6.
ReplyDeleteI hope our grands will call us in that way. And it's nice that they get to practice shopping without parents but with someone who won't judge them but probably would intervene if they were totally off track. Funny thing, I was going to post something called "moments." And I still may! :)
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I know what you mean - the twins will soon turn 11 and they're busy! However, they still like to come to ski, and I get to corner them here in my house for some Grammy time! I love taking the girls shopping but shopping with the boys is excruciating. So much deliberation!
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have even had this time. I know exactly what you mean. I see my grandchildren growing up so fast, and even the ones closest to me really are too busy for Grandma these days. I wish I lived close enough to drive them to Target or to sporting events. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteIt happens to all of us, doggone it. Our younger grandchildren still squeal with excitement when they see us coming, and fight to see who gets to sit on our lap or beside us at the dinner table. But all of them insist on growing up, and then they develop outside interests and best friends to hang out with, and don't have as much time (or interest) in hanging out with grandparents any more. Still, as you say, those "moments", no matter how fleeting, or how old the kids are, are what matters. Last year, it was a thrill to help our granddaughter pick out a dress for her first homecoming dance. We have to accept the joy whenever we can get it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your time shopping with some of your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
What you say applies to kids as well as grandkids.Son is 15 and spends a lot of time wrapped up in video games and books so when he makes a request of some sort to go anywhere it is like SURE!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does get harder to spend time with the grand kids as they age. Our oldest is a senior this year and she is in full graduation, college application mode. We cherish the few moments that we do get with her now.
ReplyDeleteThe two youngest spent a couple of days around New Years with us and we had a party...literally. Have a blessed day.