If you are a grandparent, then it's because you were a parent at some point. More than likely you watched your child grow up from an infant. You learned what your child liked and disliked. Now you are thrown into the situation of being a grandparent to a foster child or a newly adopted child; a child you don't know. How do you begin being a grandparent to this child? How to you begin to form a connection with this child? Here are 15 ways to start a grandparent/grandchild relationship with a new foster or adopted child.
- Teach the foster or newly adopted child a hobby or craft.
- Teach the foster or newly adopted child how to bake your famous chocolate chip cookies.
- Go for a walk and bring along your dog.
- Help the child work on his lifebook.
- Go see a movie together.
- Volunteer together.
- Teach the child how to play a game you enjoyed as a youth.
- Play a card game or board game together.
- Start a collection together.
- Help the child with his homework.
- Volunteer at the child’s school.
- Baby-sit.
- Read a book together.
- Have the child teach you how to play a video game.
- Go out to eat together.
Know that the child may not be interested in forming a relationship with you at first. Keep trying. Creating a relationship takes time and many foster and newly adopted children have trust issues due to neglect and abuse.
