Grandchildren visiting? What you'll need to ensure child safety plus some fun things to do

The summer months are often the time when grandparents are blessed with extended visits from their grandchildren.  For those who are not used to having children staying overnight, it is important to make sure they are prepared for any emergencies that can arise.  Grandparents.com lists 10 essential items that are recommended by pediatricians to have on hand.

First-aid kit. Keep it well-stocked and in a convenient place. Make sure it includes Bacitracin or Neosporin — antibiotic ointments that prevent infections in cuts and scrapes — and hydrocortisone cream, which takes away the itch of poison ivy.

Emergency information. Never let parents leave kids with you without providing an emergency-contact list that includes their cell-phone numbers and their pediatrician's office information.

EpiPen, inhaler, or prescription medicine. If your grandchildren are taking medication, or have been prescribed an inhaler or EpiPen, make sure parents bring it along with the children and entrust it to you with any instructions you need. It could save a life.

Ice pack. For those inevitable bumps on the head.

Children’s Motrin or Tylenol (or generic). Children can contract fevers for a number of reasons, and these standbys have proven effective for bringing temperatures down quickly. (Always contact the parents before giving children any medicine.)

Children's Benadryl (or generic). For allergic reactions, including hives (also available in a cream for bad mosquito bites). It can cause drowsiness, but has the opposite effect in some children. (Again, always call the parents before giving children a dose.)

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above). Several children's brands are available in spray-on bottles. Try to give kids a coating about 30 minutes before you plan to go outdoors.

Insect repellent. This is an essential if Lyme disease is a concern in your area — and even if isn’t, kids often have worse reactions to mosquito bites than adults. For children, use sprays with no more than 30 percent DEET.

Swimming pool gate/fence. A must (and in some places, the law) if preadolescent grandchildren will be spending any time near your pool.

House rules. No one knows the potential safety risks in and around your house better than you, so make sure all your grandchildren know the house rules for where they can go and how they can play.

Once you know the kids will be safe, how to entertain them is grandma and grandpa's next consideration. The television can only hold the young one's attention spans for just so long.  Grandparents.com is an excellent resource for all sorts of ideas.  They offer a slide show of 25 great sleepover ideas to keep the kids occupied.  Everything from balloon volleyball to indoor picnics, cooking and home made jig saw puzzles are explored.

Wondering how to fill the hours between dinnertime and bedtime the next time your grandchildren sleep over? (After all, we all know they're not going to bed on time.) Our inventive ideas will get them moving, spark their imaginations, satisfy their sweet tooth, and generally make the evening so much fun they'll want to come back next week. Grandparents.com

Cyberparent.com has a Grandparent's Web that is another resource for grandparents that explores "how loving grandparents can entertain, play with and bond with their grandchildren".  They break up their suggestions by age group to make it easy to search. 

The best thing about both of these sites is that they focus on inexpensive activities that build relationships between  grandparents and grandchildren.  It's easy to sit them in front of a video or computer but when you interact with children, those are the times they remember and cherish.   Have a safe and fun visit.

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