Grandparents Guide to a Healthy Summer Season

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, summer brings a season of joy, especially for grandparents who look forward to spending more time with their grandchildren. However, it’s also a time when the need for setting healthy boundaries becomes essential for maintaining well-being. Here’s how grandparents can set boundaries this summer for their best health.

Understanding the Importance of Boundaries

Boundaries are the limits we set to protect our well-being. Boundaries help us balance our time, energy, and health. Boundaries ensure we can enjoy the company of our loved ones without feeling overwhelm. For grandparents, this means finding a comfortable level of involvement that aligns with their health and energy levels. Grandparents have difficulty saying no to their adult children for a number of reasons. One being they will suffer consequences and not be asked to babysit in the future because their kids will think them frail, unaccommodating or selfish. We teach our children to not listen to another's complaints about us and yet Grandparents often forget the lessons they teach. Honest communication is key to health. And, boundaries setting limits to keep you healthy so you can enjoy a long life with your children is key. For grandparents, this means finding a comfortable level of involvement that aligns with their health and energy levels.

Setting Physical Boundaries

Summer activities can be physically demanding. It’s important for grandparents to listen to their bodies and set physical boundaries. All children want to visit the park but if lifting the toddler into the swing is taxing on your body, share this information with the little and come up with alternative ways to enjoy the park setting. Bring some play money and props and set up a store at the play-set. Have the children make imaginary mac and cheese and play along. Bring a foldable stool if you need to sit down. Grandkids want you happy and will understand your health needs if you're honest in communication. Enjoy relaxed interactions like reading stories or doing crafts instead of running around. Try the Reiki for Kids course and learn something new together. Enjoy the fun breathing games the course offers and get your sillies out on the couch as you do some e-Learning. Crafts can be brilliant too instead of running around the park.  Share your own personal stories or check out our blog for stories. 

Image of happy grandkid on a slide

Emotional Boundaries for a Peaceful Summer

Emotional well-being is just as crucial. Grandparents should feel comfortable expressing their needs and limitations. If a full day with the grandkids is too taxing, suggest shorter visits or having quiet time during the day. It's okay to say no to activities that might cause stress or exhaustion. And, if the other set of relatives has the physical ability to provide these opportunities for your grandchildren, be happy for this exchange. You, as a grandparent, bring something only you can bring to your grandlittle and they love you. When a four year old says he likes being at his other Grandmother's place keep in mind this is a child talking to you only interested in his personal fun. It has nothing to do with how he feels about you but his immediate wants. This whine is not to be taken personally. Let it go and release your emotions from the heart for your grandlittles to receive. You are loved. It's okay to say no. 

Communicating Boundaries with Family

Open communication with adult children about summer plans is key. Discuss expectations and be clear about what you’re comfortable with. Grandparents summer holidays do not have to be made around your children's daycare needs. And, adult children do not have to be the only individuals to set the grandchildren's summer schedule. Be open and discuss with your adult children when you are available. Perhaps you won't have the grandchildren for a full day of play but you can pick them up after their summer camp and enjoy a night out in the summer air. 

Respecting Everyone’s Needs

Remember that boundaries are a two-way street. Just as you respect your family’s routines and rules, they should respect your boundaries too. Flexibility is key and parents will appreciate and respect your support when it is communicated in an effective manner. This mutual understanding ensure a harmonious summer for everyone. And, a most memorable one for the entire family.  

A Balanced Summer is a Happy Summer

By setting and respecting boundaries, grandparents can ensure a summer filled with health, happiness, and quality time with their grandchildren. So go ahead, plan that picnic, schedule those story times, and don’t forget to take time for yourself. After all, a balanced summer is a happy summer for everyone involved.