If you thought having a child was wonderful, wait until the first time you hold your new grandchild, a tiny finger wraps around yours and joy just flows through you. The flood of feelings you experienced with the birth of your own child is back, stronger than you could have imagined. And it just gets better.
Instead of that sense of urgency to get everything done, you have time to just sit and rock and gaze upon this tiny new baby. Enjoy this quiet time, because it won’t last long. Before you know it they are crawling, climbing on the furniture, walking with little arms out for balance, then running to give you a hug. You’ll laugh together as you show them how to hop on one foot or catch a ball. It’s an opportunity for you to pass on your skills to the next generation, whether it be sports or baking or gardening. For most young children, nothing beats digging in the dirt!
A few simple reminders will help: you are not “old”, you are a “Grand” mother, explain this immediately. Reach a fair compromise on: your house – your rules; their house – their rules, so the grandchildren are not confused. You don’t have to childproof your house, but if you are sentimental about an object, then move it out of reach. Never just drop in to visit a baby, call first. When you have to share with other grandparents, be gracious. And if you feel strongly about a situation, talk to both parents in private. First time parents can be a little sensitive to criticism and slightly possessive.
Give them time to nest; they’ll soon be calling you!
Instead of that sense of urgency to get everything done, you have time to just sit and rock and gaze upon this tiny new baby. Enjoy this quiet time, because it won’t last long. Before you know it they are crawling, climbing on the furniture, walking with little arms out for balance, then running to give you a hug. You’ll laugh together as you show them how to hop on one foot or catch a ball. It’s an opportunity for you to pass on your skills to the next generation, whether it be sports or baking or gardening. For most young children, nothing beats digging in the dirt!
A few simple reminders will help: you are not “old”, you are a “Grand” mother, explain this immediately. Reach a fair compromise on: your house – your rules; their house – their rules, so the grandchildren are not confused. You don’t have to childproof your house, but if you are sentimental about an object, then move it out of reach. Never just drop in to visit a baby, call first. When you have to share with other grandparents, be gracious. And if you feel strongly about a situation, talk to both parents in private. First time parents can be a little sensitive to criticism and slightly possessive.
Give them time to nest; they’ll soon be calling you!
