Donna's Day: Creative family fun
One-On-One Grandparent Time
BYDONNAERICKSON

"Over the freeway and through the 'burbs, to grandmother's house we go!" That's how urban families are likely to begin the traditional singalong song nowadays. And lucky they are if grandparents and grandkids are living only a ZIP code away.

I recently met Nancy, an energetic early-60-something grandmother who lives in the same metro area as her three young grandchildren. She shared with me her ideas and enthusiasm for making the precious time she has with her preschool grandkids really count.

To make together time extra special, invite one grandchild over at a time. The oneon one approach to grandparenting is key to their relationship building. And it really works because the kids feel extra special when they receive a grandparent's undivided attention.

If a sleepover is planned, Mom or Dad can help pack the child's overnight backpack and talk about the activities they'll get to do away from home. Mornings with grandma can be spent at a children's museum, community nature center or at a storytime hour at the public library.

Plan these special outings with fun coupons, which have been a hit with my own kids. An eye-catching pack of these personalized "Coupons for Togetherness" can be redeemed for an afternoon at a baseball game, a trip to the zoo or a breakfast, making Grandpa's famous flapjacks. Write and illustrate each activity on a separate piece of paper about 3 inches by 7 inches. Put a date on the coupon when you are able to plan ahead.

If you have a sewing machine, use it for something other than its intended use! Make "Tear off" coupons. Remove the thread, and then run the machine 1/2 inch from the left short edge of each coupon. The needle will make a row of holes for perforation marks. Clip or staple together a pile of coupons and add a cover to protect them. Your grandchild can rip out each coupon along the perforation marks whenever he wants to redeem a coupon.

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Donna Erickson's new award-winning television series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday. com to find out when it airs on your local PBS station and to sign up for Donna's e-newsletter.

(c) 2007 Donna

Erickson

Distributed by King Features Synd.