by Peggy Strickland

Created on: February 01, 2010

Age old wisdom might be loosely defined as that which has stood the test of time; knowledge that still has value after being tested, used and handed down over generations.

While our children and grandchildren learn much that is new and modern and perhaps technologically refined, there is much to be said for what they learn at the feet of older and maybe wiser folk who also happen to love them.

And who to better fill that bill than grandparents?

Children may respond naturally and without malice with something like, “Aw, that is so old fashioned!”  Or silly, or lame, or whatever vernacular is popular at the moment.  But, oddly enough they take a lot of it to heart.  So make sure that what you are teaching them has merit and can prove useful to them in life.

Teach Values by Relating Personal Experience

How often have you heard a child ask, “Did that ever happen to you?”  They may take something more seriously if they think that you have lived the idea that you are trying to teach.  The saying, “been there….. done that,” carries a lot of weight with children, particularly from someone they respect and trust.  And make sure that trust is justified by being truthful always, and trustworthy.

Tell stories that demonstrate a moral, or at least an outcome to make the child either desire or fear to repeat the action in his or her own life.

Make the Learning Fun

Many old adages were written to be remembered easily, as rhymes or catchy phrases.  Teach your grandchild the meaning of a “deep” subject using simple and interesting maxims.

You may without thinking say something like, “beggars can’t be choosers;” or “no use crying over spilt milk;” or “curiosity killed the cat.”  You remember these because they have real meaning for a given situation, but also because they were catchy little phrases that conveyed an important idea in an easy to remember way.

Teach these little phrases, but explain the deeper meaning, of the words and the idea or implication.

Teach appropriate nursery rhymes and children’s songs to impart age old wisdom in fun and easy ways.

Share Practical Wisdom

Participate with your grandchildren in household tasks, teaching ancient skills and methods that will serve them well in adulthood.

Simple chores like cooking, sewing, handling of tools, gardening, animal lore; all have been taught to you by your parents or

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>