The Buckets are more important than I realized


Dear Reader,

My daughter-in-law and I were chatting the other day about their upcoming summer visit. She wanted me to know that the 6-year-old was already talking about The Buckets. My granddaughter wanted to make sure I would have them again this time, and that her brother would not be allowed to steal her Oreos again.

Three years ago, I got some small tin buckets before they came to stay. My intent was for them to have a place to keep their toothbrushes, washcloth, and other toiletries during their visit. But then I thought about how fun it would be to have some surprises in the buckets when they arrived. I put in a water bottle for each of them to use while they were here, a squirt gun, and some healthy snacks. All things I would have had for them anyway, but somehow they seemed more exciting when they were in the bucket.

For subsequent visits, I’ve done pretty much the same. In fact, the same water bottles and squirt guns reappear every summer! Last year there was a little craft kit or activity for each of them that I had picked up during the year, and the highly desirable Oreos in addition to more wholesome snacks. The buckets have apparently become a very important part of their visit, and I’d better start thinking about what to include this year.

There are a lot of things to do to get ready for a visit from the grandkids. From stocking the pantry and planning meals to moving where we keep our morning pills, there are a lot of little steps that need to be taken so we can enjoy the time they are here with minimal stress. I feel like a checklist is needed!

Are you anticipating any visits from your grandchildren? If so, I’d love to know about your plans and preparations.

What do you usually do to get ready for their visits? Would a checklist help you? Please reply and let me know!

Warm regards,
DeeDee

We want to help you be a Most Valuable Grandparent! Visit our shop to see all our resources.

DeeDee Moore | Founder, More Than Grand LLC | morethangrand.com

Calling all new grandparents! (and parents, too!)

We cover topics that matter to grandparents - and parents - such as concrete ways to help new parents, understanding new trends in child care, and meaningful ways to connect the generations. The resources and products we offer foster open communication, encourage healthy boundaries, and equip new grandparents with the tools they need to become a supportive partner to their grandchild's parents. Sign up for our newsletter to find out why grandparenting isn't about spoiling the grandkids anymore. Parents welcome!

Read more from Calling all new grandparents! (and parents, too!)

"And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy and your eyes sparkling."~Shanti Each Saturday, we send you a roundup of articles and resources that will help you be a better grandparent. We may receive a commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this email. This is an easy and much appreciated way for you to support More Than Grand! Making Summer Memories Get ready to soak up the season and create meaningful moments with your grandkids. Make summer...

Poll results showing how many parenting SM accounts parents follow

Dear Reader, I don’t know about you, but when I was a new mom, I had three basic sources of parenting advice: our family doctor, a couple of books, and my mother. That’s where I turned when I wasn’t sure when to start solids, or whether I should worry about the baby’s fever. Thanks to the internet and social media, your grandchild’s parents have 24/7 access to up-to-date information on how to tackle every parenting choice. Whether it’s advice about breastfeeding, sleeping, discipline,...

You can do anything with children if only you play with them. ~Otto von Bismarck Each Saturday, we send you a roundup of articles and resources that will help you be a better grandparent. We may receive a commission for purchases made through affiliate links in this email. This is an easy and much appreciated way for you to support More Than Grand! Growing as a Grandparent Grandparents offer far more than babysitting and cookies. Read how these relationships create lasting benefits for...