4 Tips for Grandparent Visitation in Germantown Tennessee

Under certain circumstances, Germantown, Tenn., grandparents may petition the court for a grant of visitation rights, giving them scheduled time within which to strengthen bonds with their grandchildren. Today, we’ll give you a few tips on how to put more “quality time” in every visit with your grandchild.

Grandparent Visitation Rights Laws | Germantown, Tennessee

Making Quality Time for the Best TN Grandparent Visitation

There is something truly unique about the lasting bonds that a grandchild shares with a grandparent. But when your hours are limited under a visitation order, you need to make the most of that precious time together.

Of course you’re happy to see your grandchild, but have you planned for how you’ll spend your time together?

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy quality bonding time with your grandchild during grandparent visitation.

1. Child Proof Your Home:

Well, it has probably been a while since you raised young ones, so remember to child proof your home. This is especially important if your grandchild is an infant or toddler, but you need to be very aware of any areas in your home or on your property that may be particularly inviting to a youngster. When you know your Germantown, TN, home is a safe place for little ones, you can relax and give your grandchild a little space. You won’t be anxious or feel the need to hover constantly over every move your grandchild makes while he or she investigates an ever expanding world.

2. Plan for Outdoor Activities:

When the Tennessee weather is good, as it so often is, make sure you have outdoor activities planned. A visit to Fort Germantown or to Nashoba Park, for example, can be a pleasant way for both of you to enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise, and use “outside voices.” Go fishing, ride bicycles, go on picnics, take long walks together – children love to be outside with their grandparents on a pleasant day.

3. Plan for Leisure Time:

There’s a certain pressure on grandparents to try and pack as many activities as they possibly can into the short time they have with their grandchildren. Sometimes, though, it is best to simply relax for a while; to slow down the pace of life and just talk. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, balance out your visitation with some quality leisure time. Depending upon your grandchild’s age, take an hour of unscheduled time to sit on the sofa and read a book together, to talk about what’s happening at school and with extracurricular activities, and to take a moment and smell the flowers.

4. Share Your Interests:

Children love to watch and learn from grandparents who fix things, have fascinating collections, handle weird tools, make plants grow in the garden (and get dirty), cook amazing dishes, and so on. Find ways to share your hobbies and interests with your grandchild. Doing so is a great way for you to connect and participate in activities together, and to build on the family bonds that will last a lifetime.

Are you the grandparent of a child with special circumstances?  Do you hope to spend more time with your grandchild, but don’t know what your legal rights are? Grandparent visitation rights are limited under Tennessee’s family law statutes, so it’s important that you read about a grandparent’s visitation right of access in our article: Tennessee Grandparent Visitation Rights Law in Tennessee Divorce Law

For more, see Tennessee Grandparent Visitation Rights Law. For updates, analysis, and case law summaries, see the Grandparents’ Visitation Rights category on our Tennessee Family Law Blog.