Toddler Games About Participation

Mon., Sept. 4, 2000

By Kandis Carper kandisc@spokesman.com

In the spirit of the Olympic Games, the 2000 Little Tykes Toddler Games will be held Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by Sears and JCPenney at NorthTown Mall.

The Toddler Games offer a day of fun and learning for children 18 months to 4 years old.

The games emphasize participation, not competition.

Little Tykes “Safety Street” gives them the chance to ride in assorted vehicles while learning traffic safety. Toddlers will earn their very first driver’s license.

The “Toddler Athletic Stadium” showcases toddlers and parents playing Jam & Go Basketball, Tournament Golf, Bowling and Baseball.

Creativity Corner & Music Center features special adjustable easels for parents and kids to create works of art. New Rhythm Maker pianos and 3-In-One Music Machines with children’s songs will familiarize toddlers with the world of music.

Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. The Grand Finale drawing will be at 4 p.m. with more than 30 Little Tykes toys given away. All children participating will receive a certificate of participation.

* Grandparents Day: Sunday is Grandparents Day. Congress first proclaimed the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in 1978 as a way honor grandparents and to reflect on the special relationships they provide.

Susan V. Bosak, author of “How to Build the Grandma Connection” (Communication Project, $8.95) offers these tips for grandparents:

* New grandparents should make a point of talking to parents before the baby is born. Share hopes, fears and expectations — yours and theirs. By talking about your role, you pave the way for a smoother relationship.

* Don’t feel bad if you don’t have it all figured out. Grandparenting doesn’t come any more naturally than parenting. It’s something you grow into.

* Remember that your children will raise their children differently than you raised them. They need to find their own style and make their own mistakes. They — not you — are in charge.

* Long-distance grandparents should stay in regular contact (at least once a week). Send your grandchildren small, inexpensive surprises once in a while, things that say “I’m thinking of you.”

Don’t forget to be silly. Grandparenthood is nature’s reward for aging. Make funny faces and big messes with your grandchildren. Not only will you build a bond that lasts forever, you will stay young.

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