Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

One of the great joys of having grandchildren is the opportunity to relive the pleasures of childhood. We love to get on the floor and play with their toy trains or construct houses from plastic blocks of one kind or another.

And we can take them to the park and put them on the swings. Sometimes, we even have a little swing ourselves.

But small children grow up amazingly fast and suddenly we are confronted with teenagers who certainly don’t want to play on the floor or to be seen near the playground with their grandparents.

What to do?

In my house, we introduced them to the wonderful and varied pleasures of movies. It’s fun for us and wonderful for them.

Children and Movies

It starts, of course, with taking them as young children to the movies – or showing them selected movies on TV. There are all the usual Disney favourites for very young children, plus others that have been made along the way.

It is a bit of a cliché, but I do find the old ones are the best.

We happened to find The Red Balloon, a short (half-hour) French film from the early 1950s, on TV and taped it. One of our grandchildren loved it so much, he more of less memorised it, like some children do with books.

It is incredibly charming and has almost no dialogue to worry about. You can find it on YouTube now.

This same grandchild also loved the movie made by David Attenborough about being locked into the Natural History Museum at night, with all the animals there coming to life (called David Attenborough’s Natural History Museum Alive). It is brilliantly done.

I subsequently took him to that Museum and found him studying a particular part of the cafeteria floor very carefully. In the film, it had been turned into a hole, a kind of burrow where some animals lived. Alas, he was a bit disappointed to find nothing but the floor.

But somewhere along the line, the usual children’s movies are no longer of interest. You have to find something else.

Teenagers and Movies

It probably depends on the sex of the grandchild (mine are both boys), but with a little trial and error, you can soon find what they like.

One grandson loved all the James Bond movies and other adventure or action stories. No problem there – always plenty to choose from.

And then it isn’t difficult to segue into the easier heist movies, like Charade. We didn’t see it coming, but the older grandson thought, quite rightly, that Audrey Hepburn was drop-dead gorgeous.

Or try the many 1950s movies intended as ‘family entertainment’. An example here is To Catch a Thief, with Cary Grant. And the same grandson fell in love with Grace Kelly.

Then, there are the classics, such as Casablanca, which you just feel they ought to know about. I wasn’t sure whether either grandson would take to this, as it isn’t an easy film and is in black and white, but they did – and the same one was seriously taken by Ingrid Bergmann.

Once you get started, it becomes very easy to carry on. Because the one grandson liked Grace Kelly, we tried Rear Window. He was soon into all the films by Alfred Hitchcock.

There are so many suitable movies. There are the numerous films of Alec Guinness, which often suit the tastes of adolescents. Or films about their very age and gender, such as Dead Poets Society.

The one piece of advice I would add is that it is important, especially when they are younger, to sit with the grandchild, stop the film where needed, and explain what is going on. They will tell you when they don’t understand. And the need for this diminishes hugely over time.

I would also argue that it is important to take into account what you will tolerate yourself. There are plenty of very adolescent films that neither of us could sit through with any pleasure whatsoever.

Let the kids find these by themselves.

The Result

Now, the two grandsons love watching all sorts of movies on TV when they come to our house. Indeed, it is an essential part of any visit.

It passes the time very pleasantly, allows us the joy of revisiting old favourites and teaches them a lot about all sorts of things.

One grandson enjoys movies and likes to watch them with his parents on occasion.

The other has become a true ‘movie buff’, taking his interest much further than anything we have taught him. He is (of course) much more capable than we are on the net and looks up all sorts of information about the films he is interested in.

And it is somehow delightful to think that in the 2020s, there is a soon to be 18-year-old young man who thinks a lot of dead actresses from the 1950s are gorgeous!

For more activity ideas with grandchildren, read 5 FUN ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you watch films with your grandchildren? Which ones were particularly successful? Have they developed a long-term interest in film?

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock / Click Here for More / Click Here for Even More

*she tagged her lip pencil and lipstick both as Mehr on her “Shop My” but I cannot find that the liner comes in that color. People seem to pair it with Soar and it looks like that color matches*

Photo / Tutorial + Shade Info : @brynn_whitfield

Originally posted at: Brynn Whitfield’s Lip Pencil and Lipstick

Recently, as I sat in a local restaurant at lunchtime, waiting for my friend, I looked around and saw a large room filled with women doing exactly the same thing. We were all gathering to commiserate, share, expound and take or offer encouragement and advice – woman to woman, beet salad to beet salad – no topic too large or too trivial to take on.

Women, it seems, simply must get together.

There’s no direct research that women are more compelled than men to seek fellowship with the like sex, but anecdotally many women agree.

Often, our seeking and learning comes during times of transition and change, according to experts, because we’re looking for help in letting go of the past and embracing the new.

Sisterhood!

I conducted an informal survey recently of women in the Washington, D.C., chapter of The Transition Network, a U.S.-based non-profit organization and community of women who “empower each other to thrive as we travel through transitions from familiar old life experiences to challenging and inspiring new ones.”

I joined TTN during retirement; other motivators include relocation, career changes, divorce and/or any need to connect.

“I think women definitely feel the need to gather,” said Susie Lazaroff, 61, who started a TTN peer group for informal gatherings in members’ homes in the nation’s capital. “It’s the idea of togetherness, of community and being able to share. I think women are kind of communal beings and I’ve always thought how great it would be to live with all my women friends in one place as we all get older.”

Another member said she joined to “connect with women on issues and life-changing events to share insights, support each other and engage in joint learnings.”

Jane DiCosimo, 64, of Silver Spring, MD, said she was about to retire and realized she mostly had “work friends” and wanted to meet like-minded professional women.

All agreed there are special challenges to meeting people later in life.

“It is uncommon to find opportunities to explore issues that directly affect older women,” said Susan Lilly, 71, a Maryland peer group leader.

Another member said she was going through a divorce, the death of a parent and her children going off to college – all at the same time – and “I wanted to connect with other women at my stage of life – sisterhood!”

Women also find other women, according to the survey, at Meetups, on the Ethel Circle Facebook page (sponsored by AARP), doing volunteer work, in book and hobby clubs and classes, religious meetings, at community and senior centers, and in privately cultivated groups through friends and family.

Relationships Are Key to Happiness

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted, the answer to what makes life fulfilling and meaningful is relationships. Connecting with others is key to our mental and also physical health, yet loneliness is said to be at epidemic proportions.

Research indicates men may have a harder time making and maintaining friendships, with one TTN survey respondent attributing that at least in part to the socializing of men to avoid being vulnerable – a theory some experts support.

But everything I read and everyone I talked to agreed there is one element we all must employ if we are to find and keep friends – effort. It’s probably not something we’re used to. In fact, when I was working full-time, going to graduate school, teaching and raising a family, I took all the people I interacted and conversed with on a daily basis for granted. I often just wanted to be left alone.

Sometimes now I don’t want to admit that what I need to do to improve my social life on any given day or week is work at it a little harder. But joining a group, reaching out to old friends, making that phone call or sending that text usually pays off. And, if you think about it, that’s a good thing. That means you can make things happen. TTN welcomes everyone, and I have seen plenty of friendships develop.

As one TTN member pointed out, the dear friends her 90+-year-old mother had around her when she was in hospice recently had been formed when her mother was in her 70s. So, if you have felt you’re running out of time to make friends, I would dispute that.

One Conversation Has Meaning

English Professor Paula Cohen’s new book, Talking Cure: An Essay on the Civilizing Power of Conversation, makes the case that sharing our stories with others, simply having a conversation with no fixed agenda or goals, feeds our souls and provides what one writer called “a kind of sanctuary.”

The challenging news as we grow older is that we will experience loss, and that can mean struggling to replace relationships and find new people open to such conversations. Those we lose aren’t replaceable, of course, but it hit me recently that I enjoyed the polite camaraderie of new friends and the quiet understanding that we navigated life in different ways and could share those insights on the ups and downs of aging.

The good news is that as we age, we gain resilience, so don’t wait too long before reaching out. The longer you go without social interaction, the harder it can be to start to engage again, according to experts.

I particularly like Susie Lazaroff’s idea about striving to have all your friends living around you as you gain maturity and wisdom.

Some friends and I even fantasized about our later-in-life sanctuary being a lovely, remote island somewhere off the coast, perhaps of the Carolinas, a place we named, to uproarious laughter – Hags Head.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you make it a point to gather with other women to share and commiserate? Do you especially feel this urge during times of transition? How much “work” goes into your relationships as you grow older? What are the best ways to overcome loneliness for your own health and well-being?

As we begin a brand-new year, it’s customary for many of us to reflect on the aspects of our lives we’d like to eliminate or change. However, consider this: what if we approached this new year with a different mindset – one focused on what we want to add, enhance, and savor in our lives? For many of us, this could be the perfect time to shift our perspective towards embracing the positive and injecting more abundance and fun into our daily routines.

What About a New Hobby?

Consider the idea of adopting a new hobby. It could be anything from painting, calligraphy, gardening, or dusting off the piano in the living room and learning to play! Engaging in a creative pursuit not only provides an outlet for self-expression but also challenges our brain to learn something new! Discovering a hidden passion can be invigorating and help us explore new facets of our personalities.

Perhaps You May Have Considered a Career Change?

It’s never too late to pursue a new path that aligns more closely with our passions and aspirations. This could mean seeking out opportunities that offer more fulfillment, responsibility, or even a higher income.

Many find immense satisfaction in pivoting their careers, proving that age is just a number when it comes to chasing our dreams. If this sounds like you, then it’s always a great idea to connect with a career coach to learn more about your circumstances and discuss your possibilities!

Or You Might Want to Be Your Own Boss?

For those seeking more flexibility in their lives, perhaps a venture into entrepreneurship is the answer. Starting a small business or freelancing can provide the autonomy to set our own schedules and pursue projects that truly resonate with our interests. The digital age has opened up countless opportunities, making it easier than ever to explore entrepreneurial endeavors without significant upfront costs.

I recently coached a client who had a passion for organizing and decided to enroll in a certification process to be a professional organizer and then started her own business! She is happy, thriving and excited to get out of bed each day to service her clients!

Cultivating Meaningful Relationships Might Be Your Area of Focus

Strengthening bonds with friends and family, or even making new connections, can bring immeasurable joy and support. Many of us find it more difficult to form friendships as our circles get smaller. Consider joining clubs, attending social events, or participating in community activities to expand your social circle, bring in new opportunities and fresh ideas!

Health and Wellness Always Seem to Gain Momentum This Time of Year

Instead of looking at what to delete from your diet, think about what you can add in. Perhaps focusing on more protein, fruits and veggies is something your body needs? Prioritize self-care routines that nourish both the body and mind. Whether it’s adopting a new fitness regimen, exploring mindfulness practices, or simply dedicating time to relaxation, investing in our well-being is a surefire way to enhance the overall quality of life.

How About Going Further?

Let’s expand our horizons even further with additional avenues for an exciting and fulfilling year.

Embark on Travel Adventures

Plan a series of mini-adventures or a dream vacation. Exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes can be refreshing and create lasting memories.

Educational Pursuits

Embrace continuous learning by enrolling in a formal course, attending workshops, or diving into online classes. Academic pursuits not only keep the mind sharp but also open up doors to new possibilities and interests.

Volunteer Work

Contribute time and skills to a cause you are passionate about. Volunteering fosters a deeper connection with the community and provides a sense of purpose.

Fitness Challenges

Make physical health a priority by setting some fitness goals. Think about joining a club, start a walking group, or check out chair yoga or aqua aerobics class!

Culinary Exploration

Dive into the world of gastronomy by experimenting with new recipes or exploring different cuisines. Cooking classes or starting a supper club may be a fun way to gather your friends and share what you’ve learned!

Mindfulness Practices

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or tai chi into your daily routine for improved mental well-being and a serene escape. Here’s a question to get you started: What would make you smile right now?

Expressive Arts

Explore your creative side through expressive arts like writing, photography, or dance. There are many writing groups available now either in person or online to help us cultivate this passion! These outlets provide unique and fulfilling ways to communicate thoughts and emotions.

As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, let’s focus on what we can add to our lives to make them richer, more fulfilling, and, most importantly, fun. The possibilities are endless, and the journey promises to be an exciting adventure of discovery and abundance! Cheers to a vibrant and fulfilling year ahead!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you thought about adding something into your life this year instead of subtracting? What might it be? How do you feel it will impact your life?

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Jeans / Here for More Stock / Here for More Stock / Here for Even More Stock / Here for Even More / Here for Even More / Here for Even MORE / and Here for Even MORE

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Shoes

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Jeans and Red Top