Showering the Grandma-To-Be (NAPSA)—Grandparents are the leading child-care providers in the United States, watching 21 percent of the nation’s 19.6 million preschoolers during the work-day, according to the U.S. Census. These grannies are more than nannies; they are not only playing and teaching toddlers, they are strengthening family bonds every day. The new trend in celebrating the arrival of baby and Grandma’s important new role is throwing a Grandma Shower. These showers have become a popular way to acknowledge Grandma asa caregiver and encourage her contributions to a young child’s life. Here are some great ideas for Grandma Shower themes and gifts that range from traditional baby gear to educational tools that help raise little learners: Help Baby Grow—With Grandma playing such an influential role in baby’s early learning, developmental toys make for great shower gifts. They can promote learning and literacy— and help teach baby to use his new mind with a helpful hand from Grandma. For instance, LeapFrog’s LittleTouch LeapPad lets baby and Grandma spend time together reading interactive books (such as “Guess How Much I Love You”) that cometo life with the touch of a little finger. Other great gift ideas include learning blocks, exploration stations and music makers. Baby Gear 101—Any house a baby spends a lot of time in is going to need a few essential supplies. Ask guests to bring diapers, pacifiers, bottles or formula. Having these necessities on hand makesvisits easier for new moms and ensures that Grandma is always prepared with the basics. Memory Lane for Baby— Ask shower guests to bring old ! Ji 7 Shower Her With Love—Grandma Showers are a great way to show grandmas how appreciated they are. photos or other keepsake items from Grandma’s past. Or ask people to design scrapbook pages highlighting fun and interesting facts about Grandma. It is a great way to show her that she is appreciated. The scrapbook pages can be bound in a memory book for baby to learn about Grandma in the years to come. Baby Book It—Ask guests to bring a few of their favorite baby books to help Grandma complete her children’s library. Whetherit is a colorful board book classic, a waterproof bath book or an interactive LittleTouch LeapPad title such as “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?,” books are a great way for baby and Grandma to spend their time together. Friends and family can take part in honoring—and preparing —expectant grandmas as they begin this enriching chapter in their lives. As today’s leading childcare givers, grandmas should be prepared to enhancethe lives of their grandchildren through early learning and development.
