Grandma Says

Grandma Says represents my point of view on grandparenting. I reflect on what I've learned about life and the life lessons I try to impart to the grandkids. This section also opens a window into my grandma life.

Japan Airlines airplanes at Haneda Airport, Tokyo.

How to Pack for Vacation Travel: My Best Tips

By Grandma Sandy | September 25, 2024

Whether going on a car trip to visit family or traveling halfway around the world, try these packing tips.

Flowers ready to be arranged for ikebana.

What I Did on My Staycation: Easy Things to Do Now

By Grandma Sandy | August 14, 2024

Staycation ideas to replicate: ikebana flower arranging, word games. closet cleaning, and travel planning.

Grandma meeting grandchild for the first time.

Grandma Life: My Best Practical Advice for You

By Grandma Sandy | August 7, 2024

A roundup of thoughts and life lessons on being a grandma; things I did for the grandkids and ones I wish I had.

summer party features simple party food.

How to Plan for the Best Staycation this Summer

By Grandma Sandy | July 3, 2024

Staying home this summer? Here are some tips for planning a staycation to ensure your summer goes according to plan.

Child examines throwaway items for creative inspiration.

Exercise to Spark Creativity and Imagination in Kids

By Grandma Sandy | June 5, 2024

A way to spark creativity in kids is to give them a few trash items and challenge them to create original toys.

Kids maneuvering their trash puppets from backstage at the puppet show.

Encore! A New Puppet Show; More Funny Disasters

By Grandma Sandy | April 3, 2024

We made puppets from trash, a theater from a box, and wrote a script. It was a disaster when we put on a show!

Kids learning to pick coffee.

Sharing Family Stories on an Amazing Tour

By Grandma Sandy | October 18, 2023

Taking the grandkids to your home town is a way to share family stories. My grandkids learn about Kona coffee farmers at a living history farm.

An easy-to-make "No whining" sign is a fun way to curb whining.

Grandma Says: My Best Easy Tips on Grandparenting

By Grandma Sandy | August 23, 2023

Make a “no whine” sign and other grandparenting tips to guide the grandkids and support parents.

Family Interview - Call Me Grandma

Camp Grandma #5: A Quick Way to Visit Family History

By Grandma Sandy | August 2, 2023

Set up a phone camera on a tripod to video kids interviewing grandparents to preserve family history.

Japanese women in Hawaii with their children from the early 1900s. One is my grandmother.

Ancestry Search: How to Share with Grandkids Now

By Grandma Sandy | June 14, 2023

Learning about our ancestors brings them to life and enriches our own lives. Tips for preserving memories.