Here are some fun things to do with an older family member.
Remember May Day? The first day of May was celebrated by giving baskets with flowers or treats to a neighbor. The trick was to hang the basket on the door knob, ring the doorbell and run before your neighbor knew who left it. Make a May Day basket with an older loved one or make one for them. See this post on how to make a simple May Day Flower Surprise.
Cinco De Mayo is a great day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Take a loved one out for Mexican food or fix a Mexican dish at home.
Strawberries are in season! Make a strawberry dish together such as chocolate covered strawberries; Rhubarb, Raspberry, and Strawberry Pie, strawberry shortcake, or just eat them plain!
Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking Mom to dinner, fixing her favorite meal at home, skyping or sending a Mother’s Day Care Package if you are long-distance, bringing flowers, planting a fairy garden, or just spending time together reminiscing. See this post on Reminiscing with Mom. Remember how popular corsages used to be? Plan on making a wrist corsage for mom for Mother’s Day.
Plan a tea party with mom and invite the grandchildren or some of mom’s friends. Serve tea, tea sandwiches, cookies, or other pastries. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you like.
Make a summer reading list of books you will read with a loved one or books a loved one can read with the grand children.
Take a walk, around the yard, in the park, or around the neighborhood. Visit neighbors AND ask to even visit their pets such as dogs, cats, or even backyard chickens! (If the animals are friendly of course!) Walks around botanical gardens are magical during all spring and summer months of the year.
Plan to be a bird watcher this year! Place bird feeders, bird houses, and bird baths around the yard, as well as flowers that attract birds. Take notice of the birds that come, which ones have nests, and their habits. Purchase or check out a bird book at a library in order to identify them. Remember to place some bird feeders near windows for those older folks who may spend much of their time indoors.
Get in the car and take a drive. Visit an old favorite restaurant, a friend or relative, or visit another city or town. Notice the sights along the way.
Paint bird houses to place around the yard. See this post on painting bird houses.
Pick a game to play each day or each week. Cards, checkers, dominoes, or puzzles, might be some games to consider or pick another favorite.
Plan to make homemade ice cream. Do you have an old-fashioned ice cream freezer? Crank it up by getting the whole family involved or use a more modern electric one.
Visit an antique store with an older family member to reminisce. Antique store shopping is quite fun with an older family member and children!
Buy summer treats to have on hand. Things like ice cream treats, popsicles, ice pops, and other treats are great for snacks and/or hydration.
If your older family member loves gardening, plant a patio sensory garden! There’s no better month than May than to get a garden started.
