Celebrating Unbirthdays with Grandchildren

Celebrate Birthdays When You Are Together

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Jan 23, 2009 Hildra Tague

Grandparents can't always be with their grandchildren on the date of their birthday, so plan to celebrate an unbirthday when you can spend special time together.

If you live a distance from your grandchildren it can be less than satisfying to mail packages for birthday and other special occasions. There is a solution by starting a new tradition of unbirthdays. This can be done by setting an agreed-on date, planning ahead of time, and organizing for one child or more than one birthday child.

Reasons to Consider Celebrating an Unbirthday

  • You may not know exact sizes or preferences, and wonder if the present you may buy will provide any real enjoyment.
  • You may long for a chance to see the look on your grandchild's face when the gift is opened.
  • You may wonder if the grandchild even clearly knows who sent the cards and presents.
  • You want the personal connection that a shared experience gives.

Getting Started Celebrating With a Plan for Unbirthdays

Any time a new tradition is started, there is a need to introduce the concept. Seniors can choose a date when the child will be at the their home, or when the grandparents will be at the child's home.

After you set the date, clarify what will happen so the grandchild will have some thinking time. Choices can be given to the child. He or she may choose a favorite food and a fun activity to do with the grandparent.

Celebrating Unbirthdays with One Grandchild

Sometimes a shopping trip can be a good shared activity, with a designated budget so the child learns about limits in life. Taking the time to figure the price, shop around, and compare choices can provide a useful experience for the child. It not only reinforces math and money skills, but also allows for decision-making training.

Celebrating Unbirthdays with More Than One Grandkid

It is nice to have a certain day for each child to celebrate his or her unbirthday. But sometimes there are several grandchildren to enjoy at one time. If there is only a short time period to utilize, the grandparent may have to declare an unbirthday for more than one child on the same day.

A shopping spree can be organized for a group of children as long as extra supervision is available. This activity usually requires a break in the middle. This can be for lunch or a snack, depending on location and budgetary considerations.

There may be some years the grandparents can be at a child's birthday. By all means, enjoy that. But there is comfort for those who can't be there in celebrating unbirthdays when schedules allow.

This tradition of unbirthdays can be enjoyed by any relative, godparent, or friend as well as grandparents. There are particular reasons to celebrate an unbirthday. It can be started by planning, then celebrating with one child or more than one. The memories will last long into the future. Happy unbirthday to you and yours!

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The copyright of the article Celebrating Unbirthdays with Grandchildren in Seniors/Grandparents is owned by Hildra Tague. Permission to republish Celebrating Unbirthdays with Grandchildren in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Jan 24, 2009 6:16 PM
Guest :
What a good idea this is! We have done this sort of thing in our family with birthdays & various holidays on an informal basis, but I like your thoughts about planning for the unbirthdays. Looking forward to many un-occasions... Sally Olds (http://omasally.blogspot.com)
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