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Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gammers…at least to my five grandchildren, ages three to eleven. You might have (or be) a Nana, Memaw, Buppy, Grammy, Oma or Grandma in your family – and that’s just for starters! From Abuela (Spanish) to Zsa Zsa (Polish) grandmothers (and grandfathers) have had their identities transformed by their grandchildren. First-time grandparents sometimes wait to see what utterances come from the sweet lips of their grandbabies and claim those nonwords as their mantle. Not me! I researched my options. In doing that research, I learned that Gammer was old English for grandmother. I liked it! I felt it allowed me to ease into my new role with some sophistication. Don’t get me wrong. I couldn’t wait to become a grandmother, but I wanted to be a cool grandmother! I could barely contain my joy the first time I heard “Gammuh” tumble out of the mouth of our now oldest grandson.
Somewhere along the way, the “s” was added to Gammer and I have been Gammers ever since.
The Gammers Guessing Game was created as a woo tactic. The competition was stiff. Game Boys and DVD players tugged at their little minds and occupied them in a way that was counterproductive to my bonding experience. I couldn’t deny the good and not-so-good impact of technology on these “digital” darlings, but I could offer them an alternative – at least during our car trips.
During the early years, the Gammers Guessing Game was relatively easy for me. Questions like “name two farm animals,” or “what color is Big Bird” easily rolled off my tongue. As they grew, I realized I had to step up my level of difficulty: “name three parts of a flower,” or name three states that start with the letter “M.” The game was a success! Just opening the car door elicited pleas of “can we play the Gammmers Guessing Game?” Yessss!!
I am delighted to say that the Gammers Guessing Game is still going strong. I am continually challenged to deliver thought-provoking questions. They are getting so smart! On short car rides, I might only get in three or four questions, but they are gobbled up with enthusiasm.
There is little doubt that our high-tech culture has changed our children and grandchildren’s social relationships. Before Play Station, X-box, and Wii, the language and traditions of childhood were passed down from generation to generation. Board games and storybooks facilitated the parent-child connection. Studies have demonstrated that Game Boys and other personal electronic devices dissuade children from engaging in traditional activities.
Technology is here to stay. And I’m glad. I love my iPhone! But technology will never replace the exchange of laughter and affection the Gammers Guessing Game provides. I wouldn’t be surprised if my grandchildren passed it along to their children. Just like the old days!
OK, here you go: one last question. What is the name of the recently discovered 10th planet? No fair Googling; remember, we’re in the car!
BIO: Yippee! I am free to be me! I retired from a nursing career (and other various pursuits) last year and am now exploring and developing my previously dormant, creative self. I love writing, acting, and acting like I’m writing. I live in Tampa, Fl with Prince Charming and within sniffing distance of five delicious grandchildren.
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