Latest posts by Michedolene Hogan (see all)
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I don’t think there is anything more special than Grandparents. If you talk to most grandparents, they will probably admit that they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, probably more than their own kids while they were raising them. Partly because they are an extension of their kids.
I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my children and love being a mom. However, I can also see and hear the joy that comes with their relationship with the grandparents. It’s refreshing, unique, and incredibly special.
The bond that kids can have with the older generation in your family can be nourished even more if there is a special room for your child at grandma and grandpa’s, if space allows for it. This is especially important if they are going to be a significant caregiver for your child while you are at work.
So, let’s take a look at how we can create that special “˜second home’ for your child.
1. Finding the Room
Quite often a grandparent’s home will have a spare bedroom. However, they might not have one that they can dedicate as a nursery, if they have other guests spend the night. If not, consider changing the guestroom into a one-size-fits-all children’s room.
Most rooms should be able to fit a crib and a toddler, or twin bed, along with one dresser and possibly chair. Because the children will not be there permanently, the dresser can be shared, and the bed does not have to be large.
2. Buying the Furniture Inexpensively
When the room is not going to be a permanent room for the child, then I would consider buying secondhand furniture, or something you can find on clearance. The main thing here is that it fits in the room comfortably, and most importantly”¦that is meets safety guidelines.
For example, slats on a crib should be no further apart than 2 3/8″ apart, so that the baby does not get his/her head stuck. You also want to make sure that it’s well-built, so it doesn’t fall apart when the kids are playing in there. Wall anchors are also wise to use, so the furniture doesn’t topple over on the kids when they try to climb up on the furniture”¦and they will.
Look at Craigslist, eBay, and local garage sales for used baby furniture. The best thing about buying used baby furniture is that they are often outgrown before the condition is a concern. Of course there is always the exception of the child who uses the railing in the crib as a teething toy. I won’t
3. Making it a Safe Place to “˜Fall’
While grandparents might be tempted to spoil the grandkids with soft and fuzzy items such as stuffed animals and blankets, make sure they know that a baby cannot have them in the crib while sleeping.
They might seem harmless, but a baby can suffocate with them in the crib. Nobody is saying that grandparents don’t know these things, but a nice reminder is worth your child’s safety and your peace of mind.
Other areas of concern would be cords hanging from draperies or blinds, unplugged outlets, and windows. Having something below a window that they can climb on is an invitation for trouble. The windows should also have a guard on them so they can’t be easily opened by the child.
4. Decorating the Room
If all the grandkids are the same gender, then there is nothing wrong with decorating accordingly. But, if they are not, you might want to go with a generic feel to the room. For example, decorating a little girl’s room can be fun, but not realistic if the room is shared with a little boy. The last thing you want to do is ruin a trip to grandma’s house by making a little boy sleep in a princess room.
Another area to consider, if the room is shared, is age. If the room will be used by both a toddler and a teen, then perhaps a generic, but friendly décor would be best.
You can always go with a generic overall feel to the room, with accessories that are interchangeable between visits. In other words, if your child is there most of the time, but a teen cousin comes a couple times a year for a week or two at a time, take some of the baby or toddler items out, and hang a few teen-friendly posters.
A perfect way to do this is with removable and re-usable wall decals. For instance, put unicorns and rainbows up for your child, on a blue wall. Then when the teen comes, change them out with a few sporting decals. It will add a customized feel for everyone, without much of a hassle.
5. Create the Feel of a Second Home
Make the child feel at home with special touches such as:
- Family photos including mom and dad
- Duplicate and familiar favorites from home, such as a favorite teddy bear or blanket
- Familiar sounds from a sound machine, or a favorite lullaby CD
- Favorite books
These items are small and affordable, but will help to make the room at the grandparents feel like a second home”¦inviting, warm, and cozy, like a hug.
