Five tips for making the most out of a visit from Grandma and Grandpa.
Having a strong relationship with their grandparents can do wonders for a child’s development [1]. In practice, however, having several generations together can be challenging. Differences of opinion regarding child care, housekeeping, or how things should be done have the potential to start an argument [2].
Here's how to organize a visit from Grandpa and Grandma to avoid surprises and minimize tension.
Schedule the visit in the morning
Your baby has more energy in the morning, which means there's a higher chance they'll be in a good mood and ready to interact.
Tell them what to expect
Warn your parents or inlaws that the house may not be as tidy as before and that you won't be treating them to a meal. Ask them to bring something to eat and thank them if they offer. Reminding visitors of your current situation will help avoid misunderstandings.
Explain the rules
You probably have your way of doing things with your baby. Show Grandma and Grandpa how you hold and soothe your baby, how and when you feed them, and the songs you sing to them. Letting them in on your rituals will help them interact with the baby in a familiar way. Just remember to be open to their suggestions so that your baby doesn’t miss out on the valuable traditions and wisdom grandparents pass on.
Plan activities in advance
To create an environment that will keep your baby happy, you can have a playlist ready with songs they already know and ask their grandparents to play it for them and sing along, or clap to the beat so the baby can start interacting with them and maybe even clap along (if they are old enough to do so).
Have a basket with your baby’s favorite toys at hand so grandma and grandpa can play with them, by bringing a toy close to the baby and helping them grab it. Making funny faces and sounds or playing peek-a-boo can be great fun too.
Keep baby supplies handy
Make sure to have clean diapers and wipes close by so you can quickly change the baby and not interrupt this special playtime with their grandparents.
