Nursing Home Expedition

We all know that familiar holiday cry: "I want that!" Counter every kid's bad case of the grabby gimmes this month by devoting an afternoon to giving back. Take an expedition together to a visit a local nursing home resident or a shut-in neighbor. You'll brighten their day and take joy in giving your child a most important gift—the ability to feel empathy for others. What to Pack

• a gift (see below)
• a favorite toy or book
• a camera

Now Get Exploring!

• Scout out a local nursing home. Go to Nursing Home Info to find one near you.
• Check the website. Look up the nursing home online to find directions, visiting hours, and perhaps take a virtual tour.
• Talk with an administrator. Call the office and find out about policies for visiting with children. Ask for help identifying a resident to visit and inquire about his or her physical and mental status. Ask if there are any restrictions on gifts you might bring.
• Schedule your visit. Choose a time when your child will be well-fed and well-rested and one that won't interfere with the resident's rest times or treatments. Arrange the visit a week or more ahead of time, so the resident can enjoy the anticipation of your visit. Whatever you do, try not to cancel. If something comes up, call in advance and schedule a substitute time right away.
• Preview the trip. Talk to your child and let him know what to expect. Explain that some people will be in wheelchairs, some will walk with walkers, some will be in beds. The nursing home may smell like a hospital. Take the time to answer any questions he might have.
• Announce your arrival. When you arrive at the resident's room, knock before entering and shake hands when you meet.
• Bring a gift. Consider a plant if there are no health restrictions. Or have your child draw a picture, sing a song, tell a story, or share a couple of jokes.
• Offer your services. The resident might enjoy going for a walk or a ride through the halls. (Ask for a nurse's permission or assistance.) Perhaps there's a place to get coffee or a snack. If the resident is confined to bed, offer to write a letter or read a story together.
• Take a few photos. Take pictures of your child and the resident together.
• Investigate. Ask your child open-ended questions:
  • Why do some people live in nursing homes?
  • What did you like about the visit?
  • Was there anything you didn't like?
  • How do you think you made the person feel?
  Be sure to be honest and answer any questions your child might have about the experience.
• Read all about it. Check out Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas by Cynthia Rylant, Sunshine Home by Eve Bunting, and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox.

Educational Perks Visiting a nursing home is a teachable moment that you can use to explain the aging process and foster your child's love and respect for the elderly. Bonus Explorer Activity After your visit, write a thank-you note together, have your child add illustrations, and enclose one of the photos you took. Consider becoming pen pals if your new friend is able.

For more exploring, play Dora's Great Big World game, find do-together Dora crafts, recipes, and activities, and print a personalized Explorer Kit for your child at DoraTheExplorer.com.

You can also get Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure app on iTunes!

Thanks to Susan Hood

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