Every grandma should follow these back-to-school rules.
As we continue to ease into the new school year, we can appreciate the role of a nana. That added support and involvement to help our kids and strengthen relationships is a beautiful bonus.
Michele Bettridge shares three back-to-school rules to adopt for nanas to follow, and back-to-school goals for this new school year.
Rule #1 – Seek Permission
If you have an idea, maybe you would like to schedule a dinner or make some purchases at the first or during the school year, ask the parents first. Make sure it is something that is needed or wanted. You may be able to save some money from buying things that you never see them use because no one wanted to hurt Nana’s feelings. Simply ask, “What is needed?” “How can I best help parents and the grandkids?”
Some grandmas can give more time than financial resources. Some grandmas have more financial resources than time. Those grandmas may still be working or may live long distance. Of course, some have both. Work with the parents so you are not over scheduling everyone and you can help with real needs. If you are the parent, give nanas an assignment. Back to school brings back lots of memories for grandmas too, and they love to help and be involved.
Since those weeks leading up to the start of school are so busy for the parents… but you still want to have a family dinner, ask what works best in their schedule and consider doing a Back-to-School dinner/BBQ shortly after school starts. This way you can get feedback on their first few weeks of school, their teachers, and what they are enjoying about school.
Be aware of what has changed since we sent children to school. Michele spoke with a junior high teacher and she called students “campers with computers” because their backpack becomes their survival kit and they many no longer use lockers. Educate yourself on what life is like for them, and educate them on what school was like for you. They can also learn a lot about your life when you share.
Rule #2 – Personalize to Show Love
Michele said, “Sometimes I am guilty of throwing a back-to-school dinner or party, and I do it for the grandkids as a whole activity. I make sure that everything is equal. That’s OK, but also let’s take the opportunity to personalize and build a relationship with each child according to their ages, their likes, and dislikes.”
Michele suggested showing love with time and making each grandkid feel special by personalizing with their name on gifts using tags, pictures, or table settings. Personalize even down to the age appropriate decor if possible.
Know what grade they are entering or what career they might choose if they had to decide today. Track with your ”Granny Planny” so you remember it from year to year. For emergency purposes, use your planner to keep track of school name, address, phone number, and teacher’s name.
You can have them fill out a little interview sheet at the first of this school year and spotlight them by having a back-to-school fashion show with one of their new outfits. Michele’s family has a tradition of measuring them, and this way they compare their growth and height with their cousins.
Rule #3 – Pick a Platform
This can also be something you individualize. For example, one child may need to know that reading is important, or math, and you can offer your time with homework or tutoring. Maybe science or STEM skills are something you feel strongly that one of your grandkids could use, and you could offer your time for science projects.
You may choose to just pick just one platform that you are hoping that they will consider for the whole year, such as giving service, respecting the older adults in the community, or being kind and standing up for those being bullied.
Michele said, “Most of all, love fiercely and stay leaned in. This is the most needed school supply.”
Michele Bettridge is a Nana to 8 grandchildren (plus 3 bonus grandkids and 1 bonus great-grandchild). She started a blog called “Giddy Grandma” and a social media account with Facebook and Instagram in 2013 to share ideas with other grandmas to encourage them to “lean in” when it comes to building relationships with their grandkids. She can be found on social media platforms and many of her printables can be found on Etsy. She and her husband Steve live in Riverdale. She still works full-time with the elderly as a life coach for those navigating dementia and then tries to spend as much time as she can planning the next event or party for her grands. is a never-ending love supply.
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