Growing up in Selma, Alabama, I remember attending an elementary school that was nearby a nursing home. We would walk to that nursing home during fire drills, bomb threats, or from time to time, as a class to visit with the seniors our school “adopted” to sing songs for them, play games with them, or share heartfelt arts and crafts we made a handful of times throughout the year.
Although these types of experiences aren’t something one can fully grasp as a child, what I do remember is the undeniable joy it brought to the faces of those residents. I remember the warmth they would say such visits would bring to them and how it would be the highlight of their day. And in hindsight, I believe experiences like those helped to shape me to better appreciate taking the time to connect with people from all walks of life and at various stages in life. I learned that one never knows the positive impacts they can have on someone and sometimes people just like when others can lend an ear to listen.
I learned that we often don’t realize the positive impact we can have on someone; sometimes, just being there to listen is exactly what they need.
Fast-forward, as a mom, I stumbled across opportunities like this here in and around Knoxville. Opportunities to foster intergenerational connections with moms, little ones, and new grandfriends. Last year, I attended a mommy and me “Generations” music class in The Groves at Oak Ridge, an assisted living facility. (There’s also one at Meadow View Senior Living in Clinton.) I took my toddler son, and it was actually a pretty wholesome experience seeing how much joy it brought to the residents, while also giving the little ones the opportunity to connect with seniors as well. We sang, danced, and shook shakers and other musical instruments under the instruction of a teacher for about 30 to 45 minutes. It was cute!
Studies show that social interactions between children and senior citizens can mutually benefit both groups. They can reduce loneliness and improve the well-being in older adults, while enhancing the social and emotional skills in little ones, according to the Institute for Family Studies.
Obviously, hanging out with grandparents is an easy way to help foster this, but if you’re looking for more opportunities for your family to serve together outside of your own, finding mommy and me classes like the one I mentioned above is a great and structured introduction. You can also visit the websites of some nursing homes like Hillcrest Healthcare or others nearby who welcome volunteers of all ages, including families and groups, to participate in activities and events. Some places even have something called a “Hug a Tot” program and other opportunities for you to adopt a grandparent to visit or bring a meal to from time to time similar to what I remember doing in Alabama growing up.
As parents, I feel like there are so many things we try to expose our children to in order to help enrich their lives and give them what they need to do well in the real world. If you’re open to trying something new and different for your little ones, participating in opportunities that foster intergenerational connections is a great place to start!
