Tips for dealing with grandkids with gumption
All grandparents can agree there’s nothing like spending quality time with the brood of lively and loving grandkids. While most of the time visits are fun and happy, we all know kids can have their grumpy moments. Whether they are moody, misbehaving or throwing a temper tantrum, sometimes it can be hard to recall what you did back in the days of raising your own children. We’re sure those tried-and-tested techniques will come back to you but here are some quick tips to deal with a sulking child.
Remember if nothing works, one of the perks of being a grandparent is you can just send them back to their parents! We are kidding, of course. There’s nothing like spoiling your grandkids rotten and strengthening the bond with the young ones.
Grandparent’s love
Grandparents are generally a bit more patient with grandkids than parents (chalk it up to the "been there, done that" attitude). Parents might not give grumpy kids the time of day but sometimes all your grandchild needs is some love, care and hugs from grandma or grandpa. Listen to their problems, spend some time and shower them with unconditional love and support.
Communicate differently
Often a temper tantrum is a way to express frustration, displeasure or anger. Explain to your grandkids there are better ways of communicating their feelings that will get better results. Teach them the correct ways of asking for attention and respond positively when they express themselves without resorting to sulking, moodiness or yelling.
Teach respect
Explain to your grandchildren their grumpy behaviour affects others whether it’s you, parents, siblings and even pets. Teach them everybody deserves respects and how important it is to respect others.
Distract them
Sometimes all a child needs to get them out of a bad mood is a job or a project. Get them to help you with activities like a puzzle, an arts and craft project or help with the gardening. Giving them a sense of responsibility especially an important job like helping an adult will usually refocus their energy from a tantrum to the task at hand and makes them feel special.
Don’t respond
Sometimes it’s best not to focus on their sulking. Don’t punish them or give attention to their bad mood. Simply not responding to grumpy behaviour will let them learn it is not the best way to communicate their feelings and needs. Often, like adults, children just need some space and time to cool down. However, grandkids still need to comply with rules even if they are sulking. If they break rules, deal with that particularly behaviour rather than the moody attitude.