Grandma Tips and Sunday Morning Coffee
This past week, I had the absolute joy of spending four days babysitting my 17-month-old grandson, Graham. Along the way, I picked up a few grandma tips.
Let me tell you – it was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, learning, and fun only toddlers can bring. From reading and exploring to discovering arts and crafts, we made the most of every moment.
Season 4 Volume 37
Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun. Let’s get started!
About Me
My Four-Day Adventure Babysitting My Grandson Graham: Fun, Learning, and Grandma Tips
Reading Time: Sparking Imagination Early
One of my favorite parts of the day with Graham was our reading time. At 17 months, he’s already interested in books, which warms my heart. He owns a variety of board books, interactive books with flaps, and even some picture books with vibrant illustrations.
Grandma Tip #1: Rotate the books. Toddlers can get bored quickly, but if you keep rotating the books, it feels like a new adventure every time. I noticed that Graham loved familiar stories but also enjoyed discovering new ones. We had some go-to favorites, but I also introduced him to a few new titles each day.
It’s important to know that you don’t need to read the book exactly as it is written. Just keep them interested. I highlighted the photos, pointed out animals and people, and asked him to identify things in the photos. This playful interaction sparked his imagination and encouraged him to keep picking up books.
Playtime: Exploring the World
Toddlers are naturally curious, and Graham was no exception! Whether we were playing with his toy cars, playing in the ball pit, building with large Lego blocks, or just running around in the yard, every activity was an opportunity for discovery. Playtime wasn’t just about keeping him entertained but about exploring the world together.
Grandma Tip #2: Let them lead the play. While I planned some activities, I let Graham take the lead. One minute, we were building a tower with blocks, and the next, he was fascinated by a leaf he found outside. Following their curiosity is important – they learn so much from these seemingly small moments.
We also had a blast playing with sensory toys. Soft toys, squishy balls, and textured blocks entertained him for hours. I also added sounds to help him accomplish tasks. As he pushed the car, I always made the sound “woo, woo.” When he picked up the blocks, I encouraged him to put them back in the blog and sang “thank you” each time. And don’t even get me started on the giggles from playing peek-a-boo! His sense of wonder and joy was infectious.
Arts and Crafts: Creativity Unleashed
One of the highlights of our time together was exploring arts and crafts. While Graham is still a little young for more complex crafts, I introduced him to some simple, fun activities that sparked his creativity. We did some finger painting (with washable, non-toxic paint, of course!) and made colorful scribbles with toddler-friendly crayons.
Grandma Tip #3: Keep it simple and safe. For toddlers, arts and crafts should be about the process, not the result. Let them get messy, experiment with colors, and enjoy the textures. I had wipes and a change of clothes on standby, but the mess was well worth the joy on his face when he dipped his fingers into the paint.
I bought some large finger painting sheets, perfect for laying out on a table and letting him go wild with crayons and washable markers. It helped to tape down the edges so the paper wouldn’t shift, and he had an entire “canvas” to explore.
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Discovering the Outdoors: Toddler-Sized Adventures
One thing I learned quickly is that toddlers love to be outside. Every time we ventured out into the yard, Graham was like an explorer on a grand adventure. We collected leaves, watched birds, and even followed a line of ants.
Grandma Tip #4: Make outdoor time a daily adventure. Fresh air and nature do wonders for both toddlers and adults. I found that Graham slept better after we spent time outdoors, and it helped him burn off all that toddler energy.
Wrapping Up: The Joy of Bonding
My four days with Graham were filled with laughter, learning, and bonding. Every moment – from the quiet time reading together to the messy fun of arts and crafts – reminded me of how precious these early years were. Babysitting him wasn’t just about caring for him but about creating memories we’ll cherish for years.
Grandma Tip #5: Enjoy the small moments. Whether it’s a quick hug, a giggle, or watching them discover something new, these little moments make the time so special.
I can’t wait for my next adventure with Graham! (It’s already scheduled for November!)
My Latest Project
Many of you know I have been dieting and getting healthy this year. As of this week, I have lost 30 lbs. Yahoo!
Since I dropped two sizes, I desperately needed some smaller-sized clothes. I bought a few new outfits this past month. I shopped a bit in France last week and went to Zara in Bordeaux. They had a lot of things I loved, but I knew my suitcase couldn’t fit much. I bought one vest and then placed an online order, which was waiting for me when I got home. I cannot believe how reasonable their prices are!
Do you all shop at Zara?
This week, I tacked my closet because all my clothes are now too big. I know this is a good problem to have, but I need to figure out which clothes I can get tailored, which to donate, and which to store.
I now have piles (and piles) of clothes in our guest room that I will deal with over the next few weeks. Wish me luck.
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My Biggest Challenge This Week
It’s nice to be home after a two-week vacation, but I am starting to panic because I am behind again.
I have a few things I need to handle for our son’s Rehearsal Dinner, and the favors and place cards are spread out all over our dining room table. Of course, I had to take on a craft project, and I can’t wait to share it with you in a few weeks.
Would you believe the wedding is in three weeks?
- Kick off my sourdough starter project (regular flour vs. gluten-free!). I am so excited, and I will ask you all to join me for a fun fall bread-baking journey soon.
- Finish the Rehearsal Dinner projects (see above).
- Start sorting through all the clothes I removed from my closet (see above).
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Happy Happy Nester shared these Ghost Halloween Sandwiches!
And what a week it was!
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This Week’s Top Sellers
We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!
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Leslie,
Congrats on the weight loss and what a fun time with your grandson. Any tips on weight loss?
Hi Kathryn! Thank you, I am feeling good. I would say consistency has been the biggest thing!
I enjoy your newsletters and never skip reading them. I have made several of your craft ideas including the cherry blossoms and the pine cone wreath.
But now , Grandma, it is time you gave us details on how you lost 30 pounds in 2024. Share!
Hi Sandra! Haha I loved reading this- thank you! Maybe I’ll have to do a blogpost on it 🤔
I recently got to enjoy the same thing with my 8 month old granddaughter in CA! They are a joy for sure. She loves her books too and we would look at one each night before she went to bed. She also loved her stroller walks outside. Congrats on your weight loss journey and your wonderful trip to NY and France.
How special! There really is nothing better, thank you so much!
It seems you were just posting the news you were going to be a grandma. Looking at Graham now is such a reminder how time flies!!! And losing 30 pounds…CONGRATS!!!