When I was a little girl about age ten, my aunt and uncle who lived in San Diego at the time, invited me one summer for three weeks to visit them. They were very cool. They took me to the San Diego zoo, Sea World and Balboa Park. We went swimming in backyard pools with slides! What a concept – a swimming pool in someone’s backyard? We had barbecues on their Spanish style patios, we walked barefoot on their ultra clean sidewalks, and we splashed in the Pacific Ocean.

That was a trip that I will always remember, for the various swimming, beach, and park activities. But more than that, I recall the warmth and fun of spending time with my cousins. Here I was a Brooklyn girl who had a first time view of San Diego, California and its many exciting attractions.

Fast forward to years later when I married an Angelino. I ended up moving to Los Angeles(two hours drive north of San Diego!) and had opportunities over the years to host my own nieces and nephews. They’d come often with a same-aged cousin have some fun in our (mostly) pleasant climate. And of course, they’d bond with the cousins! I, too enjoyed being the doting and entertaining aunt, taking them around to see the sights of Los Angeles….and my siblings who sent their kids also loved that their children had that experience. Win-win!

So when my oldest grandson who is eleven and lives in Brooklyn, told his mom a half year ago that he’d love to come alone to LA, we all tried to make it happen.

Who would travel with him, (unaccompanied minor on airlines is complicated and costly), when he would come, and all the other logistics were worked out. We all counted the days for this kid to arrive….. and this week is the week that I’m hosting my grandson.

How are we all doing? In a word: Fantastic.

My husband is enjoying, I’m having a blast, the cousins are loving the experience with their NY cousin and to top it all off….they’ve had two sleepovers, so far! And I’ve been told I’m a “Very Cool” grandmother!

Who knew? I mean, my own kids never called me cool. Even my grandkids who live here take me in stride because you know, they see me all the time.

But yes, it’s true. This week, I’ve been named cool.

So, while I have that title, I offer some tips for you grandmothers who want to entertain your visiting grandchildren from out-of-state.

REGARDING OUTINGS:

1. Try to vary the types of outings, which tend to fall in categories of parks, amusement parks, physical activity, outdoor, indoor, and entertainment (shows). We did so far one science museum, one shopping mall activity, an indoor trampoline park, a boating trip, and an IMax theater attraction.
2. Make the general list ahead of time before the child arrives. That way, you are in charge and the child has parameters and boundaries. Then, when he/she arrives you can discuss options each day.
3. Make a decision ahead of time whether you even want to include “amusement park” as one of the choices. They are wildly expensive (unless you get coupons) and are not the most wholesome compared to other activities. (Sorry, Disneyland, we love you, but we can’t afford you anymore. We used to, back in the day, but no more).
4. Try not to have an agenda for the child. For example, I had my heart set on taking my grandson to the Ronald Reagan Library which (in my opinion) is a fantastic and entertaining museum, but after bringing up the option several times, I could tell that he wasn’t too into it. So, I let it go. (but if you readers come to LA, I will offer it to you…yes, you can decline….).

CHILLING OUT:

Allow time for relaxation and doing nothing. Some “nothing” activities can even be huge “something” activities such as swimming in a neighbor’s or your own pool (kiddie, or larger one), watching videos, reading, playing basketball, baseball, games (chess, Guess Who?, Bananagrams)

FAMILY TIME:

Plan plenty of family time. I do that by inviting over some of the aunts or uncles, or cousins for meals and/or sleep-overs, making barbecues for extended family, and visiting them in their homes.

CAR TIME:

Use the car time to chat and share, to talk about the various sights that you pass and don’t necessarily visit, and to just plain bond. Sing songs in the car (“99 bottles of beer on the wall!”), especially when the same age cousins are there.

JOURNAL:

Depending on the age of the grandchild, you can encourage him/her to keep a journal/diary of what he did. I remember one of my nephews made a calendar and in each square, he wrote what he did, so he’d remember (maybe to show his friends when he got home!). For my grandson, I suggested he keep a journal of his time here. I think he’s doing it and enjoying that.

PICTURES:

Take lots of pictures, to post, share with friends, but mostly to send to the parents who are at home and loving the messages they get about their children’s vacation.

PRAISE:

This is not the time to educate, train, teach, or correct. Just enjoy them. :

ENJOY

Before we know it, our grandchildren will be entertaining the next generation in their homes, using the loving and caring methods that they saw and felt from their own grandparents.

Any ideas? Please share below…..