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All children need to bond with their Grandparents

Everyone knows how important it is to read to our children/grandchildren as they develop pre-reading and reading skills. But story telling is even a richer experience. While struggling to think of ways to quiet my grandchildren for bedtime I hit upon the idea of sharing a personal story from my growing up years.During the story they jumped in with questions as they were fascinated with my adventure. At the end asking to have another or repeat the story you told us last night.

Here are two examples of stories:

Story I

When I was about 5 years old growing up in a little village in northwest Ohio, most of my play must have been imaginary play as we had few toys. On the back of my dad’s car, over the trunk, was a spare tire as was the custom of the time. On a Sunday afternoon, the tire became my ship’s wheel as I imagined sailing over the ocean. Suddenly my dad ran from the house  and jumped into the car. As he backed out of the driveway, I turned my body away from the wheel aka tire locking my arms around the tire behind my back. Being a small town and only a few blocks to travel we did not go any very fast. I felt that I would never be discovered as my plan was to climb into the back seat when we arrived at the ice house.

But who should be walking on the street but my older teen sister and her friend. I saw her pointing and screaming as we past her. Upon our arrival I indeed climbed into the back seat and remained undectected. Lucky, safe was I. When I arrived home I was greeted with hugs and a few sharp words but no spanking.

Story II

My mother loved candy and especially chocolate. Because there were 6 children she had to hide it so that she could have some and then dole it out to us. But sometimes she could n’t remember where she hid it.

I do not remember how old I was but I think it was about the 3-6th grade era in my life when I stayed home in Mom’s bed not feeling any too good while she was at work. Boredom set in and the thought of candy being hid somewhere that she might have neglected  to find,sent me on a search.

In the dresser drawer I found a small box with a sliding lid and yes, foil covered chocolate. I had hit the big time and proceed to eat it all. Now when Mom came home I felt a ting of guilt and confessed to her. Her face turned white and she exclaimed “That was exlax”. The next day, I stayed home as I was for sure and for certain, sick!

So why are stories about our own lives important to our children or grandchildren. They connect with us while identifying with our mistakes or adventures. As I pointed out to my granddaughters, grandma made mistakes when she was young and suffered the consequences of her decisions. We talked about the danger that could have ended my life. They can see how we as adults once had the mind of a child, sorting out problems from a childs perspective just as they have to do.

Panda Picks story telling, especially telling personal tales, as a fun and productive activity to do with our grandchildren.