Sandwiched Boomer grandmothers find many ways to create special memories with their grandchildren – baking chocolate chip cookies together has been a traditional favorite. Here are some others that may become just as popular with you.

Susan had enjoyed music all her life and had a soft, gentle voice. When her first grandchild was born, she picked a simple song and sung it sweetly to her whenever they were together. When they were apart, she sang it over the phone. Soon her little granddaughter began to recognize it as “Nana’s song.” The song became a way for both of them to keep each other close through the distance.

Carol loved books. She had worked in a bookstore and was familiar with all of the children’s classics. When her grandson was born, she picked one of her favorites and began to read it to him whenever she visited. She held him close and repeated the passages in her lilting voice. This special cuddle time became one of the most rewarding parts of her visits. Every year, on her grandson’s birthday, she gave him another classic children’s book with her inscription telling him why she had especially chosen it for him. Books grew to represent a deep bond between them.

A chemist by trade, Marti knew how materials combined to produce new substances. She was intrigued by the way foods did the same thing, and she was an innovative cook. As soon as her young granddaughter was able to hold a spoon, she helped her put the fruit into her cereal. When she was old enough, she began to cook with her whenever he came to visit. She taught her to measure the ingredients when they made oatmeal raisin cookies and to mix the batter when they made blueberry muffins. The kitchen became their special playground and they had the added bonus of eating their tasty handiwork. As she grew, their creations became more complex and they both looked forward to sharing new recipes as they cooked together on her visits.

Travelinoma commented to yesterday’s blog, telling us about the connections with her own grandchildren: “I read this post and immediately emailed the eleven grandkids that live far away from me, suggesting we all think of each other looking at the same moon, and smiling. What a great idea! I posted tonight about some of my Oma ideas. I’m glad you’re doing this, and will be interested to read your upcoming blogs.”

As Sandwiched Boomers, tell us about what works for you as you find new ways to connect with your grandchildren.