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While I was waiting in the dentist’s office I read an article in the July 2008 Parent’s Magazine. It has some great tips about safe ways to play with your children/grandchildren that I think are worth sharing.
Don’t toss your baby in the air. Instead hold him/her close against your chest and jump up and down. It’s still exciting but there’s no risk of hurting baby.
Never tickle torture your child/grandchild, it is very painful.
Wrestle with your child/grandchild but make sure you are in a safe space.

If your grandchildren are coming for a visit, whether long or short, you want your home to be safe. I found a website mysafehome.org that lets you take a virtual tour of a home and gives safety tips for each room. There’s other great information too.

The month of July is always exciting so this months newsletter includes activities to share with your grandchildren and other family members. It seems that fireworks aren’t limited just to the 4th, there are always events that end in a fireworks display. I’ve include a pattern for making your own fireworks. They can be decorations or favors for your picnic or barbecue table. For a treat that will help your grandkids with their measurement skills, check out the recipe for Treat Stars. It’s easy to make and fun to eat. There is a memory game that can be played at large or small gatherings or just one on one with your grandchild. No materials are needed just a good memory. A free origami house pattern is available to download. It’s a different way for your grandchild to write or draw about a time you came to visit. I’m adding new ideas and activities each week to my blog so be sure to check it out and let me know what you think. I also have a new Summer Activity Kit available.

Download Firecracker Patterns and decorate with crayons, markers, glitter, etc.
You can write what America means to you in the spaces provided.
Cut out and glue around a cardboard tube (toilet paper, paper towel, foil) about 5 inches in height.
Make the tube look like a firecracker by gluing strips of color paper or foil on the inside of the tube. We added some flags and star bases to our firecrackers.

Download Directions for House All you need is a rectangle shape piece of paper and a pencil. You can make your house as large or as small as you like depending on the size of paper. Have your grandchild fold the paper into a house. They may need your help. Read a story about families or traditions and on the house, have your grandchild write or draw pictures about a special family activity or tradition. Stand it up to display. You can also use stickers that represent a family activity or tradition. That’s what my grandson in the photo used to decorate his house.