Think Bigg

Modern living can be an lonely experience for the elderly. Isolated in homes, apartments and hospitals, they can easily lose contact with the outside world, and especially with the joy that comes only in the presence of children.

The good news is that you can help your children make a difference! PBS Kids offers a step-by-step guide to show your children how to Adopt a Grandfriend!

1. Find an elderly person to adopt. Ask an adult to help you choose a person. You may already know of an elderly person in your neighborhood who would like a visitor. If not, you can call a local senior center or nursing home. Look in the Yellow Pages under “Nursing Homes” or “Senior Citizens’ Service Organizations” for places.

2. Ask an adult to help you contact the nursing home. Explain that you want to adopt a grandfriend to visit on a regular basis. Ask lots of questions, like: Are there any training sessions you need to attend before you volunteer? Who will you will be paired with? When is a good time to visit? How often you should come? How long should you stay? Is it OK to bring cookies, flowers, and other small things?

3. Plan your first visit. Think about what you want to talk about when you visit your grandfriend. You can talk about what grade you are in, what you do after school, and about your family. You can ask your new grandfriend questions, like: What did you like best about school? Do you have any grandchildren? How was the world different when you were my age?

4. Make a memory box. A memory box is a small collection of some of your favorite things. You can fill a shoebox with things like a favorite toy, an award you have won, or a card from a friend. Sharing your memory box with your grandfriend will give you things to talk about on your first visit. Ask what your grandfriend would put in a memory box, if he or she were to make one.

For more steps on Adopting a Grandfriend, read on!

5. Bring a parent or other adult when you visit because most senior centers don’t allow kids under the age of 16 to volunteer alone.

6. Think about it:
Who did your project help?
What did you see and hear during the project?
How did this project make you feel?
What did you learn that you did not know before?
What new questions or ideas do you have?
Is there anything you would do differently the next time?

7. Celebrate! Thank everyone who helped you. And remember to log your hours and share your story.

8. Keep helping. Visit your grandfriend on a regular basis. Set up a schedule so he or she can look forward to your visits. Bring flowers, cookies, or a ZOOMdo. Play cards or a ZOOMgame. Find out when your grandfriend’s birthday is and what holidays he or she celebrates, so you can make a card or bake a special treat. You will learn many new things from your grandfriend. Thank her or him for spending time with you.

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