Help other grandparents with your travelling top tips and win a Kindle!

[Enid]

Set them a challenge! Many children today lead such sheltered, protected lives that many activities which our generation saw as normal are unimaginable nowadays.
So - take stock of your own skills and enthusiasms and turn them to good use.

Are you a swimmer? Challenge them to swim with you in the sea or other stretch of water and push them to do more than they thought they could.

Do you go for country walks? Take them on a night walk away from artificial light with just the light of the moon and a dimmed torch if needed.

Do you go camping? Dig out those old GG or scouting skills and make furniture out of small branches and deadwood and even sleep under the stars. Watch the sky and identify the constellation or spot bats or owls at dusk.

Do you love old buildings? Find a fascinating one close by and explore. Share your knowledge and spin tales that will never be forgotten.

Can you speak another language? Teach them some phrases and challenge them to use them to ask for an ice cream or other treat.

Go on a beach hunt. How many different coloured stones can they find? Can they make a rainbow out of them? Can they make a 'beach art' picture from what they find on the
beach? Use seaweed, driftwood and general detritus.

Can you identify wild flowers or birds? Teach them the names of ten and test them each day. The sense of achievement will be immense.

Can you read a map? Teach them how to use a map and compass and find their way from a given point. Grandparents must go where the children lead them!

Can you cook? Get them to plan the picnic and put it all together to be shared at a lovely spot.

And - keep a scrapbook using multi media, photographs, recordings of experiences and a collection of souvenirs such as bus tickets, feathers, stones and labels.