When Cornelia Parres-Lopez and Filip are out and about together, other people see a nice grandma with her lively grandson. It's almost like that, because they are both part of the "Wishful Grandparents" project run by the town of Rodgau. The project aims to bring generations together. It is aimed at young parents or parents, especially newcomers, who often live with their children without grandparents in the neighbourhood. And then there are more mature people without children or whose children have moved away, who would like to take on the role of grandma or grandad from time to time. The project aims to bring together what can grow together. Telling stories together, playing, eating, baking - simply spending time together. This was precisely Cornelia Parres-Lopez's motivation when she attended an information event at the family centre last year. Her own children and grandchildren are far away and the pensioner noticeably misses spending time with them. She already had contact with other children through the tutoring she gave at school. So why not spend a little more time with little people and perhaps give their parents a helping hand? Filip's parents were also at the event and somehow it was a perfect fit. Now his favourite grandma Cornelia picks up the four-year-old after nursery and the two of them dig in the sandpit, climb or go to the swimming pool. Cornelia's little dog, which Filip immediately took to his heart, was certainly an "icebreaker". And so all three of them look forward to their informal get-together for a few hours every week. Casual is the right word, because participation in the project is voluntary and has to suit both sides. It is possible to join or leave the project at any time. Currently, 20 parents from all Rodgau neighbourhoods would like a temporary grandma or grandpa. The children are between 6 months and 8 years old. The desired grandparents should be around 50 years old and must provide a certificate of good conduct. The team at the family centre is responsible for matching "young" and "old" and the decision as to whether or not to take part is made by the participants themselves. Anyone interested in this great offer can drop by the Family Centre, Alter Weg 63F, on Thursday, 20 June, from 3-5 pm. And maybe in a few weeks' time two of them will be playing in the sandpit like Cornelia and Filip again and others will see a "completely normal" granny with her grandson. For more information, call 06106 693-1167 or email familienzentrum@rodgau.de.
