Five things you should do with your grandparents before they die

Nyamachoma, bonfires and staying up late telling stories of yesteryear are just some of the wholesome memories that come to mind when many think of their grandparents, especially here in Kenya.

Holidays were predictable. Children were shipped off to their rural homes and it was at these moments that special bonds were forged.

Sadly, their days here on earth are numbered and it is important to spend the last league of the season with them.

For those lucky enough to have their grandparents around, it's time to return the love with these five things:

Despite living in a digital world where a simple Google search gives you instant results, the stories and wisdom our grandparents have gained over the years cannot be compared. Learn as much as you can from them. To make sure the information is safe, record it. Use it to pass on to other family members who will appreciate the preserved memories.

It may be easy for some, but spending quality time with your grandparents outside of the family reunion or Christmas is not enough. It is good, but not enough. If you don't feel that close to them, make a point of getting to know them. Make it a point to visit them more often, call them whenever you can and let them know that you love them, miss them and care about them. You will never regret spending time with your family or making an effort to express love and affection, especially when your grandparents are gone.

With most of our photos now ending up on Facebook and Instagram rather than on paper, the older generation can often miss out. Buy an album, or better still, use one of the many tools out there to create a personalised album that your grandparents will love. Take and edit photos each time you are together and let each member add photos to the family album. You'll appreciate its value when they're gone and new members have joined the family.

Your grandparents have probably gone through many of the same struggles and challenges that you will face. Dating, family life, financial challenges, tragedy, discouragement, you name it. Ask them questions about how they dealt with these life experiences and managed change, difficulty and prosperity. You will learn more about your grandparents and gain some valuable insights and advice for your challenges. All for free.

.

Keep Reading

• How to handle parenting in a changing world
• Parenting tips as a single father
• Dangers of having a favourite child
• Don't let confusing parenting advice scare you

There is always a dish your grandmother cooks that makes you salivate or a special way your grandfather cooks meat that turns even the staunchest vegetarians into carnivores. Learn from them while you can and surprise them one day with your cooking skills. They will be so touched and impressed.

While doing all these activities with your grandparents is good and noble, learn about other traditions too. Learn about your people's songs, stories, games and other activities that you can pass on to other family members.