Interview with Grandchildren

Studies show that both grandparents and grandkids benefit from spending time together. Teens who spend time with grandparents regularly have lower rates of depression, higher rates of academic success, and greater self-confidence. Grandparents experience a reduced risk of depression, increase in physical and social activity, better cognitive function – since helping to care for grandchildren keeps grandparents mentally alert – and even possibly a longer life.

As a grandmother of seven, I can attest that all of the above is true. My grandsons and granddaughters range from 5 to 11. These are great ages to share in activities, learn new things together, and have meaningful conversations. Through these conversations, we explore our shared interests.

My granddaughter Eloise and I share a love of writing. Recently, after she read some articles I had written and I read a short story she is working on, we decided to collaborate on a just-for-fun interview of each other. I often wonder what my grandchildren are thinking, so this activity gave me an opportunity to find out.

A sample interview with grandchildren

Donna: What is your favorite way to spend time with your grandparents?

Eloise: I enjoy any activities that I do with my grandparents, but it is always fun to do things that we both love such as sewing, gardening, and cooking.

Donna: How is spending time with your grandparents different than time with your parents?

Eloise: You live with your parents, so time with your grandparents can have special moments that your parents can’t always give you.

Donna: Do you think your grandparents dress the way they should for their age?

Eloise: I really think it is up to the grandparents on how they dress, but I know it’s the kids’ job to show them new hot and trendy outfits for kids to wear.

Donna: What do you think of your grandparents’ music?

Eloise: I think their music is definitely not from these days. It is mostly from their days. It sounds weird to me.

Donna: What is something your grandparents do that bugs you?

Eloise: It bugs me when they use words from the olden days such as pocketbook, holler, and supper.

Donna: Do you feel like your grandparents have a favorite grandchild, or do they treat you all the same?

Eloise: Sometimes I think the first (oldest) is the favorite. For example, Grandma to the first child: “I think there are some string beans you might like” (walks the child to the table and serves the beans). Grandma to the second child: “I think there are string beans over there”. (Points to the table). Grandma to the last child: “There are some string beans over there.” (Just says it without much effort).

Donna: How does it make you feel when your grandparents support your activities like dance recitals, sports events, and school programs? Is it important for you to have them there?

Eloise: Being that I’m a dancer, I personally think having grandparents at your performances is super important, even if they fall asleep. I don’t think school programs are that important, but they are always welcome. Grandparents seem to like going to sports events, but they will surely freak out if a ball hits their face.

Donna: What is your favorite topic of conversation with each of your grandparents?

Eloise: My mom’s dad talks about old stories and sports. My mom’s mom likes to sew and talks about sewing with me. My dad’s dad says that I’m the most beautiful girl ever. My dad’s mom talks about writing with me and reads my stories.

Donna: If you and your grandmother or grandfather were the same age, do you think you would be friends?

Eloise: I would probably be friends with my grandmas because we like the same stuff!!

Next, it was Eloise’s turn to interview me.

Eloise: What is your favorite activity to do with your grandchildren?

Donna: It’s fun to different things with each of them. The two littlest boys like to dance to a song called “The Floor is Lava,” and when the music stops, you have to jump up on a chair or couch. I like to dress and fix the hair of all the dolls my granddaughters have, and we also enjoy sewing and cooking. They are probably better at cooking than I am. The older boys are always willing to sit and play board games with grandpa and me.

Eloise: Do you like seeing your grandchildren all at once or individually?

Donna: I would say both. There are things I enjoy with each of them, like shared interests we have. But, we have a great time when we are all together too.

Eloise: Where is your favorite place to spend time with your grandchildren?

Donna: Any place I can be with my grandchildren is fine with me. The whole family (kids and grandkids) took a trip to Disney World a few years ago. That was very special for all of us.

Eloise: Do you have a favorite grandchild?

Donna: You know I could never answer that question. I will say my own mother made each of her grandchildren feel like they were her favorite. I hope my grandchildren feel that way too.

Now it’s your turn to conduct an interview with grandchildren. Consider recording it for a lasting keepsake!

Also from Donna Brody:

Spending time with grandkids

Multigenerational games for fun times together