“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.”– Alex Haley
Grandparents have always played a special role in the family. They are those constant sources of inspiration and enrichment who bind the family together with their selfless acts, deeds and unbounded love. They are great role models who actively and happily contribute towards the growth and development of their grandchildren. Grandparents are those rock solid support who provide their grandchildren with some of the fondest and earliest memories. They are a delightful blend of unceasing laughter, infinite love, amazing stories, mouth-watering dishes and the quintessence of care.
Summer vacation is a wonderful time when one gets to indulge in the unconditional love and warmth of their grandparents. There are plenty of activates one can do to make the time a memorable one.
Gardening: Do gardening with them. It will not only make them happy, but is also a great activity that soothes body, mind and soul. Plant vegetables and flowers which both of you love and soak in the therapeutic rays of the Sun as much as possible.
Recall memories: See the photographs from the old albums together and ask them to recall the moments. They are the connection to an era which is alien to the new generation.
Cook and serve: Help them in cooking or make something special for them to eat. They will relish each bite, irrespective of the quality of cooking. Ask them to share some secret family recipes or try to make a new recipe together.
Walk and Talk: Walk with them to their friends or neighbours house or to the park while sharing each other’s experiences. It will fill them with great energy and also you will know a lot more about a world that existed earlier.
Story time:Ask them to share their old time stories or experiences. You might have heard about it many times, but do take care to listen it with a renewed interest, so that they don’t feel offended. Make it a point to hear bedtime stories.
Reading time: Read out some of the stories or poems you have written or some short stories that inspired you. It will make them really happy.
Picnic parties:Arrange small picnic parties with people they are comfortable with. Take utmost care to make them feel happy. Make sure they get the required attention and feel special.
Teach a new hobby: Help them to learn computer or if they are interested teach them some games in computer or phone. Try to teach them some new things which you have learned recently.
Family time: Sit together and chart a family tree, make it as extended as possible. This is a way when they can exercise their mind to remember people connected to them. You will be amazed to see how big your family is.
Exercise with fun: Escort your grandfather or grandmother for their regular morning or evening walk. Teach each other few exercises and make it a memorable time.
Play:Play card games or puzzles, ludo etc
Value education at SIRS: In order to embed values to the academic curriculum, the School has introduced ‘SAI Samskara’ for students from classes V to VIII. The book aims to instill in the student values like Peace, Respect, Love, Responsibility, Happiness, Cooperation, Honesty, Humility, Tolerance, Unity, Freedom, Gratitude, Cleanliness, Friendship and respecting time and also develop skills like communication, problem solving, critical thinking, citizenship and conflict resolution. SAI International constantly strives to instill the values of humility and integrity through the Guru Shishya Parampara.
