JIGGENS: Finding common ground with the grandchildren

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I treasure the time I’m able to spend with my grandchildren. In many ways, it’s like re-living my own childhood through them.

I’ve introduced them to many of the things that appealed to me when I was their age, hoping they’ll experience the same enthusiasm I enjoyed so many decades ago. It’s been a hit-and-miss strategy, with certain games and activities going over well while others aren’t so well received, and favourite old TV shows getting the same reception.

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Kids today seem a little more sophisticated than they were in my day. Perhaps it’s because they live in a world of video games, YouTube, Tik Tok and all of these other electronically delivered attention grabbers that didn’t exist in my day.

Things were much simpler back in the ‘60s, and we got our kicks playing such games as table hockey and Battling Tops. I happen to have both – the latter of which I picked up for a song a few years ago at a yard sale – and figured the non-stop action associated with these games would keep the grandkids engaged for hours.

Interestingly, table hockey has been a hit with them, yet Battling Tops has failed to generate any sort of enthusiasm. Back in the day I would play both of these games for hours on end until my fingers blistered. Apparently, pulling a string and watching spinning tops knock each other off the playing surface isn’t as gripping as it once was.

I introduced my grandson to The Three Stooges, Woody Woodpecker and the 1960s Spider-Man cartoon – all of which he has come to love (especially The Three Stooges). My granddaughter enjoys watching I Dream of Jeannie. So, during their last visit, I thought I’d treat them to an episode of Disney’s Wonderful World of Color that I found on YouTube – one that I remember from the late ‘60s that was full of mystery and intrigue. Within minutes of the show’s start, they both started drifting off to sleep … and it was still early in the evening. Before long, I began to understand why. The show just wasn’t as engaging as I remembered it and I, too, was dealing with eyelids that were getting heavier by the minute.

Children of different eras simply aren’t going to share the same tastes in entertainment, physical activities and pastimes. It’s important for grandparents to find that common ground with their grandchildren so that they can enjoy quality time together. My grandson is a Lego enthusiast and, having been one myself many years ago, I can sit with him and help him build something special. My granddaughter enjoys jigsaw puzzles, and I enjoy spending time with her putting those together.

A friend of mine who has no grandchildren once asked me, “Doesn’t having grandchildren make you feel old?” On the contrary, I replied. It makes me feel young. Mind you, when we’re tobogganing together, I feel young going down the hill and old climbing back up, but that’s an exception to the rule.

My grandchildren have tried to get me interested in some of the things they enjoy, just as I’ve tried to do with them. Again, it’s been hit and miss. I can’t get into some of the video games my grandson enjoys, but we’ve discovered a mutual enjoyment for Super Mario Brothers. My granddaughter’s attempts to get me interested in Barbies – unfortunately for her – has been futile.

Still, there’s been enough common ground for some solid grandparent/grandchild bonding. As they get older, it may not be as “cool” to want to spend as much time with Grandma and Papa as they currently do. So, it’s important to savour these fleeting years while they’re still available, and remain “young” a little longer.