Spending time with your grandchildren is amazing, isn't it?
The more time you spend with them, the more memories you create, the strong bonds you build.
As if all those pros aren't enough, there's even more benefits to spending time with your grandkids: a longer life!
Related: 5 Tips For Keeping A Grandma Diary
Yup! According to a recent study by the National Health Service, it's been found that grandparents who frequently babysit their grandchildren live longer than those who don't.
Need some ideas as to what to do next time you're hanging out with your grandkids? Here are 12 fun suggestions that you will both enjoy!
Bust out the hairbrushes and air guitars and have a dance party. Research shows that listening to music together creates healthy bonds and builds positive memories. Introduce her to artists you loved growing up and have her exchange the favor.
Cook a meal together. Whether you're trying out a new recipe or teacher her how to make a family classic, this is a great way to bond -- plus you get a delicious meal at the end!
Related: 6 Reasons Being A Grandparent Makes You Special
Strike a pose and have a photo-shoot. Put on a silly outfit, dress up all fancy, or wear what you're comfortable in and go photo crazy. Take some selfies, set the timer, or take turns taking pictures of one another.
Ask each other interesting questions. We've put together a list of family conversation starters because trust us, we know getting more than one-word answers can be like pulling teeth.
Volunteer for a cause you both love. It's easy to find opportunities at places like your local animal shelters or soup kitchens. If that type of volunteering isn't really your thing, assemble care packages for the homeless in your area or make cards for nursing home residents.
Create an artsy masterpiece. Hello, Pinterest! Not only is creating art important for your child’s development, but it can also increase positive emotions and reducing the likelihood of depression.
Read aloud to one another. Try reading books, magazines, poetry, or even the news. This can also lead to post-reading conversations about the info you just took in.
Have a picnic. Pick out some snacks together, grab a cozy blanket and head to a park or your backyard.
Related: 4 Ways You Can Bond With Your Grandchildren
Take a trip down memory lane. Grab a family photo album and look at old photos together. Whether you look at her baby pictures or pictures from when you were a kid, there are so many fun conversations to be had.
Go thrifting. Take her to a thrift store, a flea market, or garage sales and look for hidden gems.
Have a coffee (or hot chocolate) date. Bring your favorite board game a local coffee shop, then treat yourselves to yummy drinks while you play.
Have a movie night for two. Introduce her to your favorite movie and then have her do the same. Afterward, talk about the parts you liked best!
