Small Questions, Big Connections The Interview That Builds a Grand Relationship
Most grandparents want nothing more than to spend time with their grandchildren, get to know them, and foster a close and positive relationship. But it’s not always easy to carve out time, especially if the grandchild is shy or lives on the other side of the country. So, how can grandparents better connect with their grandchildren while learning more about them and their interests? Have an interview! The first thing to do is determine the best interview method. It depends on the children’s ages, preferred methods of communication, and the distance between them and their grandparents. Some can sit together in the same room, while others will need to use video calls,
phone calls, or letters sent by mail or email. Once you determine the best mode of communication, it’s time to put the questions together. The questions should reflect the kids’ ages. You don’t want to ask anything too complicated of a 5-year-old or dig too deeply with a teenager, as they will get uncomfortable. The goal is to learn more about them and their interests, not their deepest, darkest secrets. Younger kids will enjoy answering questions about their favorite colors, games, animals, movies, school subjects, and more. Older kids can handle more detailed questions, relating to their passions, ideal careers, favorite family stories, and values. Keep in mind that you are not there to judge or even comment
on their responses or views. You just want to gather information to establish a stronger relationship. Once you’ve made it through your list, or they’ve grown tired of answering questions, it’s time to flip roles. Encourage your grandchildren to ask questions about your career, your childhood, their parents as kids, family history, your favorite vacations, and life experiences. They might already have questions in mind that they want to ask you! Focusing on stories and things they can relate to will capture their attention best. Learning more about each other will lead to a stronger, more loving grandparent-grandchild relationship!
Thank You for Your Service! Honoring Our Veterans Means Helping Them Plan for Tomorrow
Every November, we get a special opportunity to show our appreciation, support, and respect to those who served when we recognize Veterans Day on the 11th. These men and women have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom, rights, and country. To honor their efforts, many communities across the country
host parades or ceremonies to celebrate and give thanks to those who served or are still serving. We enjoy helping veterans at our office, whether assisting them in creating an estate plan to ensure they and their families are protected or helping establish a long-term care plan for the future. Some veterans or their surviving spouses are eligible for what is often called the Aid and Attendance program. This provides tax-free income to help pay toward the veteran’s or their surviving spouse’s cost of care. It can help pay for assisted living facilities or even at-home care. Not everyone is eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits. To qualify, the
veteran must have served at least 90 days of consecutive active duty service, with one day being during a wartime period. Gulf War veterans must have two years of active duty service. Furthermore, the veteran must have received a discharge other than dishonorable. You must have limited income and assets available and a permanent disability at the time of application, or be over the age of 65. Additionally, you must meet all the essential criteria already listed: being blind, living in a nursing home, or meeting the legal definition for Aid and Attendance. You can apply for benefits online at VBA.gov. To the veterans in our community, thank you for your service!
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