The grandparents in your life may live nearby or all over the country. They may love children or love children but refuse to change diapers. Regardless of the situation, we have ideas on how you can develop relationships between grandparents and grandchildren in the first years of life and beyond.

Set grandparents and grandchildren to success during visits. Try to schedule a visit in the morning when most kids are awake, awake and ready to play. Get out some of your child’s favorite toys and books. If your child is a little slow to warm up, start playing together in a group and gradually stop playing as your child becomes more comfortable.

For toddlers, try to provide the safest possible environment for children so that grandparents can focus on having fun and not on “do not touch” or “be careful.”