By: Emma Garrison
At this stage of summer, it’s fair to say that many parents of young children have faced the challenges of “Grandparent Withdrawal.” Kids adore their grandparents, and the feeling is mutual. This affection leads to freezers loaded with popsicles, hours of Candyland games, and an abundance of gifts showered upon the little ones just for being themselves.
However, this affection can be hazardous. Once children experience it, they crave more — they’re hooked. I have a sneaking suspicion that grandparents strategize before our visits to ensure their grandchildren’s unwavering devotion. For instance, “Let’s kick things off with ice cream for breakfast, follow up with a three-hour ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ marathon, and then we’ll embark on a journey to the moon!”
After such indulgence, you can only imagine the shock on the children’s faces when we try to reinstate the rules of everyday life. “But we haven’t even roasted marshmallows yet!” they exclaim, gazing blankly into the pantry. “Where are the chocolate bars like Grandma has?” Even a simple suggestion for a bath can trigger a full-blown tantrum. “But Grandpa said the hot tub was just as good!”
When the withdrawal symptoms hit, it can lead to an extended episode of whining, crying, and dramatic floor-flopping. Thus begins the Grandparent Withdrawal process. Wondering how long it takes for your little ones to recover? It’s straightforward: take the total number of hours they spent with their grandparents and double it. So, if the kids enjoyed three days at Grandma’s house, expect six days of recovery.
This detox process can be tough on both kids and parents. Here are five steps to help navigate this challenging transition:
- Practice Patience
Recognize that it takes time for kids to adjust back to their usual routines. Be patient and gently guide them down from their grandparent-induced high. Perhaps Grandma left the TV on for the entirety of their visit. Quitting cold turkey from a beloved show may be overwhelming. Instead, allow them a four-hour TV block the first day back, then gradually reduce it. While you’re at it, you might as well tackle that mountain of unpacking, because according to the Grandparent Withdrawal formula, a four-day trip requires eight days of unpacking. - Stay Firm
If there’s one word that seldom describes grandparents, it’s “strict.” For instance, during our last visit to Grandma, I found my toddler in tears after a nap, having been lured into a cartoon binge with popsicles as bait. Remember, after days of permissive living at Grandma’s, it’s crucial to reinforce the boundaries you’ve set. Stay strong and re-establish those routines. - Use Consequences
If you’ve clearly explained that spontaneous trips to the store for Lucky Charms are off the table, yet a tantrum erupts, it might be time to resort to threats. It’s a lopsided contest; children will always favor the fun experiences with grandparents over the mundane tasks of daily life. For example:
– Grandpa: Takes kids to pet horses.
– Mom: Takes kids to the doctor for shots.
– Grandma: Drowns them in gifts.
– Mom: Threatens to limit gifts if they misbehave.
Naturally, they will resist, hoping to escape back to their fantasy land. Your only recourse might be to declare, “Calm down, or you won’t see Grandma again!” - Call for Reinforcements
Sometimes, the best solution is to admit defeat. If all else fails, close your eyes, bow your head, and reach out to Grandma for a few extra days of help. - Repeat Steps 1 to 4
It’s a relentless cycle. Grandparents, if you keep spoiling them, your grandchildren may just decide to make your house their permanent residence! Is that your secret plan? You clever rascals.
In conclusion, while the joy of grandparent visits is undeniable, the aftermath can be quite the challenge for parents. With these strategies, hopefully, you can navigate the difficult terrain of Grandparent Withdrawal more smoothly.
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