TriVita Health -- Grandparenting 101

TriVita Health -- Grandparenting 101
Tips for being a good grandparent

Memories of time spent with your grandparents last a lifetime; the cookies you made with grandma or the time you went fishing with grandpa – all by yourself!  It is these experiences that make the grandparent/grandchild relationship so special.

Here are some tips for being a good grandparent – and ways to solidify the unique bond between grandparent and grandchild.

• Be at the hospital to meet the baby when it first comes into the world.  Ask the parents in advance what role they would like you to play on delivery day.

• In the first few months, offer to help the parents in any way you can.  This could include running errands or even spending time watching the child while the parents get much-needed sleep.

• As the children grow, spend one-on-one time with each grandchild; this creates memories that will be with them always.

• Don’t play favorites; spend equal time with all grandchildren unless proximity prohibits it.

• Plan events with your grandchildren rather than merely sitting them in front of the television.  These can include baking cookies, taking nature walks, putting together a puzzle, fishing, etc.

• Be a neutral party. This becomes especially important during the teenage years when kids need someone to talk to besides their parents. (Their parents are the last people they want to talk to!)

• Don’t compete with your grandchild’s other grandparents.  There is no need to be jealous of the time and attention they spend with the grandkids.  Each grandparent should get equal time.

• Keep family history alive.  As a grandparent, you are in the unique position of knowing more about family history than anyone else.  Pass this knowledge on to your grandkids so they will feel a sense of continuity and history.

• Be an active part of your grandchildren’s lives.  This may mean getting caught up on current trends (although not necessarily embracing them).  Becoming computer literate can be especially important.

• Offer to have the grandkids over for the weekend; this will give the parents much needed time to themselves, will give you an opportunity to spend more time with the grandkids, and makes the grandchildren feel special.

• Listen to your grandchildren.  Encourage them to talk to you about their feelings or even just tell you what’s going on in their lives.

Some grandparenting DON’Ts
There are many things you can do to be a good grandparent.  And conversely, there are things you can do to be a bad grandparent.  Avoid these pitfalls:

• Don’t criticize your son- or daughter-in-law.  This can lead to problems with your own child, which may trickle down and affect your relationship with your grandchild.

• Don’t give unsolicited advice.  This may be very difficult to avoid but parents have to learn on their own.  If they ask, certainly offer your nuggets of wisdom – but only if they ask!

• Don’t discipline the grandkids.  However, don’t let the kids run wild!  Children do need boundaries set.  There should be an understanding that they will stay within these boundaries – or go home!  Of course, if you find yourself taking care of the grandkids on a daily basis, you will need to take on the role of disciplinarian.

As a grandparent, you have the opportunity to spend time with your grandkids and simply enjoy their company – without the accompanying responsibilities of parenthood.  Take joy from it.  And be the best grandparent you can be!

Posted by:
Terry L. Allison, Sr.
TriVita
Independent Business Affiliate
13134349
Skype: allisonmarketinggroup

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