how to be a good grandparent

How to be a Good Grandparent

So what if you have been the best mum, or a loving dad in the past, you now have an additional expectation to meet; that of being a good grandparent. When it comes to grandparenting, it is akin to honing your parenting skills and what beats being the best? Absolutely nothing.

"George Banks must accept the reality of what his daughter's ascension from daughter to wife, and now, to mother means when placed into perspective against his own stage of life .... George must now contend not only with his new status as a grandfather ..." - Father of the Bride Part II One of the most important appraisals in life comes forth when you become a grandparent, it thus makes you an important member to be cherished, valued and loved, nevertheless. Your sole duty as a grandparent is to enrich and inspire the life of your grandchild. Now that won't be much of a hurdle, especially if you have been a parent before and know the tricks to right parenting. The best part of being a grandparent is that you get to revisit your childhood, play with innocence and recreate memories of a different kind altogether. In a family, if parents are the building blocks, grandparents become the base pillars and the cement that holds the family in place, at all times. Grandparenting is no rocket science. If you trust your instincts, you would certainly know how to be a good grandparent.
Being a Good Grandparent
Between You and Your Child
You have another member to share your child with, and invariably, your child becomes the link between you and your grandchild. Hence, it is absolutely essential that you maintain a healthy bond with your child. Respect your child and his/her spouse with their decisions to raise their offspring. Offering a helping hand is a good gesture, but keep it minimalistic to avoid interfering in their parenting skills. After all, it is their first experience at being parents too! "Grandparents are the footsteps to the future generations." - Author Unknown
Spend Quality Time
A loved one doesn't seek for monetary gifts, rather seeks a loving companionship. Spending quality time with your grandchild will work in your favor and strengthen the bond between you and your grandchild. Children learn by listening; it would benefit you if you keep a few stories ready in mind. In the initial days, you might be expected to help around with caring for the child. Be prepared to give your time and attention. "To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have already been paid." - Robert Brault
Babysit your Grandchild
Offer to babysit the child in case your son/daughter is a working dad/mom. New parents will obviously need someone around to help about with caring for the child. Do your bit to help your child, but remember never to overdo things, for it may seem to be intruding on the young parents. Your presence will be much appreciated when you give your child and his/her spouse their own space with their child. "Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being." - Margaret Mead
Make them Love and Care for You
Strengthen your bond with your grandchild by making every visit interesting and meaningful. Sing them songs, play with them, pamper them with gifts, tell them stories, talk to them, make them gurgle with laughter; do everything to make them feel special. Even if you are staying a mile away from your grandchildren and cannot meet them very often, make it a point to call and ask about them; besides, do whatever it takes to make them want to come back to meet you. "To a small child, the perfect granddad is unafraid of big dogs and fierce storms but absolutely terrified of the word 'boo'." - Robert Brault
Plan Activities
To be a good grandparent, become popular among your grandchildren. Meticulously plan out fun activities and tasks that you can do with your grandchild. You can even assign a few tasks where they can help you out as well as bond with you. Activities like car washing, lawn mowing, gardening, fruit plucking, carpentry, cooking, etc., can be more fun when it is done in the company of your grandchild. Make everyday activities fun and interesting for the new learner, you never know your grandchild might enjoy doing what you do best. Besides, your grandchildren will remember you for all the fun time they had with you. "Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet." - Gene Perret
Impart Family Values
When it comes to the moral upbringing of the child, parents mostly rely on the grandparents to impart the traditional values. Grandparents are meant to pamper the child, but remember to do it in moderation so that the child is not spoiled for choice. Whenever you get the opportunity to be with your family, grab it I'll say and use it to teach (not preach) your grandchild about the customs and traditions. Every once in a while get the family together and spend time with your entire family. "Grandparents hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever." - Author Unknown
Truly I tell you, there is no blessing greater than having a grandparent or two, to comfort and give solace, especially when you feel that things are going the wrong way. The loving gentle arms of a grandmother can wipe away the blues of not just an infant but also of the seemingly lost teenager. To my grandparents who have always been instrumental in my growth years ... "I can't stop loving and remembering them!"

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