Grandparents come in many shapes, sizes, and ages, but they all have in common a heart bursting with love for their grandchildren!
With fall arriving soon, and schools starting up in some way, shape, or form, it is essential to revisit the conundrum of how to grandparent during COVID-19. Considering that we are a senior care agency when we use the term “grandparent,” we generalize it to mean grandmas and grandpas over the age of 65. Still, with that said, all should place importance on their health and well-being.
Public health recommendations specify maintaining social and physical distancing practices-even with loved ones, wearing masks when necessary, and practicing good hygiene habits. Many a good citizen grandparent wonders how to follow these mandates while still supporting the needs of their adult children who, prior to COVID-19, relied on them for childcare.
Claire McCarthy, MD, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing, directly answered these concerns in a recent article,
“To be safe, grandparents really shouldn’t be doing childcare,” says Dr. McCarthy. “Even if the child is a baby who doesn’t go out into the world much at all, it’s impossible to be sure that the baby’s parents won’t bring anything home. As sad as it is, older adults are the ones who really need to isolate themselves. In a time of crisis, it’s natural to want to be with family and help them, but in this particular crisis families need to think differently — and keep grandparents safe.”
She acknowledges that this is humbling to hear, but that it need not be crippling. Here are some ways to make the best of this challenging situation:
If you have grandchildren living in more than one family, try creating a monthly “cousins’ time” where you can all be in on the same call and share a storybook or memory.
Expand your grandkid video or phone chats to include fun activities such as singing the alphabet together or discussing a “this day in history” fact.
Consider providing financial help to your adult children. For example, offer to pay for an online activity for your grandchild.
Footnote: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/grandparenting-in-the-time-of-covid-19-2020032119261