As I sorted through Christmas puzzles on the sales table recently, I thought about my grands. They’re old enough now to help with annual puzzle and I wanted to choose a scene that would interest them. I also needed to make sure the skill level wasn’t too daunting. Backstory? Our family loves puzzles and we have a long and storied history of formidable selections. My sisters-in-laws would remember the infamous year of “The Apple”? Thousands of pieces, all of them shades of red. Seriously. What were we thinking?

I think the answer would be, we weren’t thinking. But, enough of that. Memory lane has reminded me of another puzzle table from years gone by and I think that story can help you, fellow Rockstars, and the mothers who are finding our community here. It holds a great communication tip for anyone navigating the preteen and teen years with kids or grands, when growing up comes with growing pains, for everyone involved. We want to talk to our “babies”, and they still need us. We realize they’re trying to find their footing, and we know they benefit from time shared together, even when it seems like they’re pulling away. It can leave the best parent and grandparent wondering how to bridge the distance, am I right? Well, I don’t have all the answers, by any means, but I stumbled across one that worked at our house!

Back in the day, I discovered my young teenage daughter was much more prone to conversation when we were mutually involved in a hands-on project. We had many late nights heart to hearts over the safety zone of a puzzle that offered a legit reason to avoid eye contact. Most teenagers find eye contact uncomfortable, and for others it seems medically painful! My delightful discovery of the power of puzzle therapy wasn’t limited to female teenagers, either. A son who couldn’t have been less interested in the project, enjoyed force-fitting pieces in the name of camaraderie.

There have been many puzzle table gatherings since those days, but I’ve been at this long enough to see history repeating itself. This year, my two oldest grands are moving out of the “toy” phase. While their interests are changing, they’re still my babies. And although I might “pretend” to need their help with the border, (every card table gathering of puzzle warriors I’ve ever partnered with have agreed to that major rule– outside edges first), there’s one fact that’s undeniable. I need them and they need me.

I chose a fun holiday scene that pictured animals decorating the forest trees, with plenty of colors to help Keggie sort. I think they’ll like it. Your grands need you, too, Rockstars! Do you have a communication or relationship you could share? We’re listening!