After I retired in 2003, Martha and I decided on a fun item to add to my life, Grandpa Camp. The grandkids could come and spend a week with me. My job would be to teach them all kinds of things. These would include how to make things, how to repair things, and how to do fun things. They would learn how to properly and safely use tools, both hand and power. They would send me a menu of the things they wanted to eat during the week. The parents would drop them off on Sunday and pick them up the following Sunday.
The first to take advantage of this were my son’s two daughters Emily and Becky. Tracy dropped them off and Martha and I had an enjoyable Sunday with them. Monday morning I’m having my coffee and reading the paper when they get up and come downstairs. They are still in their pajamas and robes having just gotten up. They tell me they would like some hot chocolate. I asked them if they have made their beds. They told me they don’t make their beds. I just replied, “Do here”. They looked a little startled and after a brief discussion among themselves, took off back upstairs. About ten minutes later they came back downstairs and told me the beds were made. I asked if they would like some breakfast and some hot chocolate. They said yes and the week began.
The week was filled with learning how to hammer things, how to wear safety glasses when working, and how to saw wood. They also learned how to ride bicycles, and check to see that the bikes were safe and properly maintained.
Their menu had all kinds of things on it including chocolate chip pancakes, bats, hamburgers, waffles, and ice cream. I enjoyed their choices too. We filled in the gaps with healthy choices also.
Their mother showed up a day early. I think she missed them. Emily was doing cartwheels in the driveway, and Tracey told her to be careful or she might get hurt. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that Emily had a bike crash earlier and we had just finished patching her up.
This year Emily and her husband Dan spent a night her at the Willows with me. When she got up in the morning, I asked if she had made her bed. We both laughed. Turns out she really had.
Jennifer Stoliker
I love this! My grandfather taught me so much, probably more than my own father. And those lessons and time spent with him became some of my core memories. Your grandkids probably feel the same.
And a made bed sets the tone for the day. I teach my kids the same habit. 🙂
Bill Mitchell
Right on. I’m hoping my son does the same.
Bill Mitchell
I think you might like sexual discrimination b;og