Archives by: Karen Shadrach

Karen Shadrach

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About the author

Karen Shadrach is an on-the-go, in-the-know grandmother of two sets of twins, and our NEO Grandparent columnist. Prior to retirement, she worked within the Cleveland Clinic Health System for 33 years, both as a Registered Medical Technologist and a Lead Research Technologist in the Ophthalmic Research Department. Now retired(?), she spends most of her time babysitting-teaching and entertaining the twins. When she’s not grandmothering, Karen spends time with friends, plays flute in the Independence community band, is a member of the Cleveland Astronomy Society and walks her basset hounds, Tucker and Herman. Do you have grandparenting questions about where to go and what to do when you get there? Email Karen at [email protected].

Karen Shadrach Posts

Snowflakes & Hearts with Our Grammy on the Go

It’s time to celebrate the beauty of winter and to celebrate love this month. Snowflakes and hearts are easy crafts to make together with the grandkids and are perfect decorations to display during the winter season. ...
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Indoor & Outdoor Snow Play with the Grandkids

Another great winter activity to share is a hike in the woods. Here, you can look for animals that have not hibernated this season and identify footprints in the snow. The trees are beautiful, covered with snow and ice — so very peaceful.  ...
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Snow Play Indoors & Out from Our Grammy on the Go

 

It seems like yesterday that I was writing on how to keep the grandkids cool. Now, it’s already winter here in Northeast Ohio!  For those of you that have not escaped to Florida for the season, we should find ways to embrace the snow and have fun outside with our grandchildren.

After bundling up as well as possible, yet allowing room to move, venture outside into the snow to play. The children love to just run and romp in the snow. Let them make snow angels and show them how to form and throw a snowball. 

If possible and the conditions are right, you can help them to build a snowman. I’ve created smaller snowmen and built them on a back deck or near a window so that the kids can look at them easily from inside the house. They can decorate their snowmen with stones or acorns and find a special hat and scarf for Frosty to wear.

Bring the Outdoors In

If the weather is just too cold to venture outside, or if a child is sick and cannot join others, you can bring the snow inside to them. To absorb the melting snow, place a beach towel on top of your table. I also place a cookie sheet underneath their play area to collect the moisture.  Find a large or small cupcake pan and place on top of the cookie sheet. Step outside and fill a few bowls with snow. Throw in some measuring cups and spoons, and they will love to make snow cupcakes, or even attempt to make a little snowman. 

Sled riding is always a favorite winter activity. You can pull the grandkids around on their sleds on unshoveled driveways or, if you are feeling especially adventurous, you can take them for a ride around the neighborhood. 

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Magical and Memorable Christmas Outings with the Grandkids

If your grandkids come from across the street or across the country, our Grammy on the Go columnist has suggestions for making holiday memories with the little ones. ...
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Passing the Giving Gene to the Next Generation

It’s important for the kids to realize that there are others that do not have the privileges and all the material things that they take for granted. Children need to learn to appreciate the things they have and to develop empathy for others. Developing the habit of giving can be a terrific trait to pass to your grandchildren. ...
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Go Ahead, Take the Grandkids Swimming

Grandkids + hot weather = pool time. Or does it? Our Grammy on the Go columnist has tips for grandparents who want to help the kids cool off but aren't sure they're ready for a trip to the pool. Her advice? Dive in, the water's fine. ...
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Grammy on the Go: Making the Most of Fireworks Displays with the Grandkids

The July 4th holiday is just around the corner and that will bring many opportunities to watch fireworks with the grandkids! ...
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Take the Grandkids to a Park – And Survive (It’ll Be Fun, We Promise)

   It is important to try your best to keep to the children’s regular schedules. If they are used to having a bottle or snack at 10, stop play for a little rest and rejuvenate. Lunchtime at noon? Stop and have your picnic at that time. Always leave the park before the children become exhausted-meltdowns are not pretty and especially difficult for grandparents to handle. ...
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