The head of pediatrics on the ABC Thursday show "Gray's Anatomy" described Grampa's influence . She told her colleagues this simple truth as they began their rotation in her department. "Little patients can't understand what we do here." she said. " For them, a hospital is filled with MAGIC". A little fun goes a long way when you visit, or they visit you.
We invited the six little neighbors next door to enjoy some magic with us. Gramma Rosie is tossing our soft pom poms to the youngest ones, Patrick, center; Preston, right; and little Amy in the back.
The NBC reality/game show "Minute to Win It!" premieres this Sunday night, at 7 PM Mountain time. The host, Guy Fieri, a Food Network star demonstrated a couple of games that he and his producers have come up with to give away bunches of cash on Regis and Kelly this morning . He led guest host Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa through these two games. On his program, contestants have 60 seconds to win each of ten games to win the cash.
Drop the Cookie- Each contestant has a generous plateful of Oreo cookies. Chocolate covered work best. All a contestant has to do is move his cookie from forehead into their mouths using only the muscles of their faces. No hands! The only problem I can anticipate is the drive to eat the cookies that inevitably fall on the floor. (If you decide to have fun with this tasty game, you may want to make sure the contestants sit in two chairs and spread some plastic on the floor beneath them--like a couple of garbage bags. Of course if you all believe in the 15 second rule don't worry about the plastic. And the plastic will cause slips and falls unless contestants are sitting down. Their mother will appreciate the plastic. It works best if you start with two contestants and let the one who loses to choose his/her replacement.
The delayed gratification of waiting to participate can be good. The "loser" gets to eat the cookies he's dropped. (Beware of sugar highs and dinnertimes etc. Be prepared to bag the cookies in a little sandwich bag. Games can be fun, but good Grampas might do well to think things through. When interest in the game wanes, pass out a cookie to EVERYBODY and change games.
Stick the Landing- Two contestants toss rectangular bottles filled with water onto a table. Winner has the most bottles that stay on the table. In a confined space a circles could be taped on the floor. The objects could be soft blocks, little frisbees--You name it. With little gramkids the things to throw should always be so soft that no one gets hurt. If you can't buy something, sometimes Gramma can sew something to stuff plastic grocery bags into. Last year i n a dollar store I found multi colored grapefruit size pom poms. They make "snowball" fights lots of fun with no tears, no matter how hard the toss.
Elder Jeffery Holland once said that Grandparents should be close to their grandchildren, as long as the parents allow it. Don't wear out your own welcome.
Strangely, boring Grampas who do nothing don't offend come back over and over again. Their own flesh and blood gramchillins will return that boredom many fold.
If you have a bit of magic and a lot of fun, if you have the reputation for props and little prizes just the mention that you're coming will spark enthusiasm and anticipation. In 1956 my saavy dad told my mother that, "Anticipation is more than half the fun!" I remember his quote to this day, fifty years later because later that year we took a proper vacation--our first as a family --to then new Disneyland the day BEFORE Memorial Day. We virtually had the park to ourselves. No long lines. It was heaven on earth.
If a wise Grampa is careful and has engineered all the hazards out of his games, his daughter (or daughter in law) will be happy to welcome him back. Fathers generally take the Friedrich Nietzsche attitude: " That which does not kill us makes us stronger. " Finding the balance between excitement and safety is the challenge. It takes some preparation and thought.
There are many interactive props and games described in the Santa's Electric Sleigh blog. (I'm still building this blog so if you read this and would like more, send me a comment below and include your e-mail I'll send you some of my stuff) Look for the post on a fun way to award prizes to everyone using Santa's Magic Bag. (It works year round when presided over by a Birthday party Wizard, a Spring Bunny or just a Magical Grampa like you.
After 30 years of producing and presenting The Jolly Old Elf at Christmas time I can tell you there are games and prizes that work and I've come up with some clunkers.
The key to groups of gramkids is big muscle movement. As much as possible no competition. One upping works best with adults. Blowing up and floating balloons indoors is fun. Get a couple of inexpensive pumps and the very little ones can blow up their own balloons. It will save your lungs and your blood pressure.
Taping bunches of those balloons together outdoors with clear packing tape provides a slow motion volley ball game that builds anticipation as this lighter than air "ball" slowly comes down across the net. Don't keep score, just have fun. Action for actions sake.
Choco-Cheese Mini Sands: If you visit around lunch time, work out with the Mom some plans for wholesome fun treats. Raid their refrigerator, or more considerately bring your own fixin's. White bread, individually wrapped cheese slices and chocolate syrup and some non sharp table knives is all you need to keep them entertained and well fed. Ask for volunteers to help you make them. Be prepared for less than square quarter sandwiches. Coach and encourage as much as you need to. Most well raised youngsters will want to do it themselves. Trust me, they'll let you know if you over coach. Elvis Presley's Banana and Peanut Butter Sandwiches are great combinations, too.
I've learned to just smile as Gramma sticks her nose in the air at what she considers weird combinations. The kids love an adventure--even more if it involves some of their favorite foods.
When Chris and Ellen decided to move their headquarters to the big green house on the hill down the street, there were times when their six needed watching on our little side of the duplex. Our moving gift to them was an open offer to "watch" our six little neighbors. We always turn these babysitter turns into a party!
The older three have come to have a blast at these opportunities to build relationships. Even their smallest ones were excited to come by because they knew from our past experience together that there would be lots of big muscle fun without competition, creative treats and the magic bag prizes at the end. Gramma and I could probably hire out as birthday party entertainers, but for now, saying goodbye to our through-the-wall adopted grambabies is enough. We look forward to seeing them soon in their new location.
That reminds me of a Location joke: A florist made a terrible mistake one weekend. He confused two orders. He delivered a somber floral spray with the banner, "Deepest Sympathy" to the grocery store grand opening. He was even more embarrassed when the bright and cheerful arrangement went mistakenly to the funeral home with the sign that read, "Best of Luck in Your New Location!" (lol) JRH
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