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Mommy Convos

5 Top Reasons to Have a Standing Playdate with an Elder

in Conversations, Guest Post, Motivation, The Good Life on 16/07/18

Living in modern times with contemporary women, traditional family roles have shifted.  In the majority of situations mom is still very much the “CEO of the family”. Scheduling doctors’ visits, coordinating carpool, choosing and engaging in the “right” activities at the “right” age and running the overall household, to name a few. No big deal. It’s a short list, right? Kidding!! Moms too often get “should-ed” on, so this certainly isn’t another list of “shoulds”.  Rather, this is a fun list to help re-frame how you (and your kids) might think about the elderly. How socializing with the elderly regularly could be one of the best things you choose to do for everyone involved.

First things First

It’s important to get our assumptions out of the way. Don’t worry, I am very familiar with the old adage about assumptions, and I do NOT need a reminder. But, sometimes I think assumptions can really come in handy when I’m clarifying my point.

Thus, I will assume that a lot of moms share common goals of creating secure yet fun environments for their children. Ones that support them in learning and growing into confident and happy individuals; ones who eventually become compassionate adults who are authentically fulfilled in life. If your “Mom Mission Statement” is something similar to this, then please keep reading.

So regardless of whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, these are five top reasons to prioritize spending time with a beloved senior citizen. And these go beyond just grandparents or special occasion celebrations with extended family.

top 5 reasons to have a standing play date with an elder. Visiting grandparents. community involvement. visiting elders. family time. family time with grandparents. senior delight box. senior living.

1)   A shared Playfulness & Curiosity

Most elders have achieved in life a perspective that allows them to recognize what is actually important. Generally with retirement and as life slows down, there is more time for thoughtfulness. Whether you have young children or teens, elders value moments of levity where they have fun and be playful and ask silly questions too.

2)   Much Appreciated Candor

Kids say the darnedest things there’s no doubt about it. Their commitment to honesty can introduce such an exciting conversation for an elder. And much like kids may say things to the elders that they don’t expect, elders often communicate in ways kids don’t hear on a regular basis. It’s a great conversational exchange and at the very least, entertaining for mom.

3)   A lesson in compassion.

No matter the age, part of development is self-awareness and recognizing what is different. Socializing with someone whose looks may have changed or “faded”, who may move differently or more slowly can create an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Elders have oftentimes developed a sense of humor and humility that allow them to take most all things in stride. But sometimes they struggle, as any human would.  Seeing that struggle can be just as valuable as witnessing someone responding perfectly; it’s especially a good reminder for kids of certain ages that are constantly competing or measuring themselves to their peers.

While your kids may have exposure to elders with their own grandparents, they get accustomed to their set of challenges. But, by interacting with other seniors a child’s global view can expand to understand and appreciate even more.

4)   Undivided Attention

Newsflash, most elders aren’t neurochemically addicted to their cell phones (Hallelujah!). They grew up in a time when people only had the option to chat in person, by written letter, or on the phone. Especially when given the chance to chat with someone they normally wouldn’t (like your kiddos) they are more excited and more inclined to give your kids their full-attention. That type of focus is contagious! Kiddos will learn to engage with equal levels of attention and excitement once they put down their iPads, of course. 😉

5)   Imaginative Storytelling and Unexpected Education

Have you ever heard a grandpa tell a story about the crazy things he used to do growing up? Did he tell it with a similar enthusiasm as you might hear your child tell a story about visiting the dinosaur museum or learning some new trick in sports?  The point-, not all things worth discussing or learning are on Google. (*Gasp* I know. I promise I’m not trying to #breaktheinternet here.) Frequently sharing stories between generations creates some of the greatest exchanges one could ever dream.  Maybe your family can’t or doesn’t travel as often as you’d prefer. Or you compromise on schools or other activities; well let me tell you, adventure and education that can be found at the feet of elders can supplement those compromises a lot more than you might think.

Now, I know this list is compelling. However, if you’re not convinced of the value of these top reasons then you may be more encouraged knowing many studies confirm the benefits of multi-generational socialization for both the young and old.

So as the CEO of the family, I enthusiastically suggest you add a senior citizen or two to your play date list. Laughter, patience, compassion, fun, nostalgia, and discovery are just some of the many experiences you can share. Oh, and they often like the same snacks too, so that’s a bonus! 😉

With much love and compassion,

Beth

 

About the author:

elder

Beth Rosellini is the Founder and self-described “Grandparent Whisperer” behind seniordelight.com. She started this subscription gift box business aimed to connect younger and older generations more frequently and in a more thoughtful and fulfilling manner. Her passion for elders originated from her experience working in nursing homes. It was also heavily influenced by her being raised as part of a big family that had four generations interacting together on a frequent basis. For more information, you can check out seniordelight.com or you can connect with her team on their very fun Instagram account at @seniordelightbox

 

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Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
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