Being a grandparent is one of the best experiences in my life. I am sad that their are some grandparents who are not permitted to or chose not to be a part of their grandchildren's lives.
If you are choosing not to be a part of their life due to choices that their parents made, I would like you to consider that the child was not the one to make those choices. In today's society, children need all the positive support that they can get. Most households have two working parents and parents are not able to attend all of those special events at school or daycare. Recently I attended a Halloween parade at my grandson's daycare and today I am going to my granddaughter's school to share a birthday lunch with her. I see these as a win-win for myself and my grandchildren. I wish this for all grandparents.
If you are not allowed to be a part of your grandchildren's lives because of bad choices you made, consider making amends with their parents. They may not believe you at first but keep trying. What you gain will far exceed any discomfort that you feel doing this. If the things in your past are to bad to make amends for, consider keeping a journal about your feelings with regard to your grandchildren. They may choice to meet you when they become an adult and you can share your journal at that time.
Good luck.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Birthday Gift Thoughts for Grandchildren
Two of the children who call me Mimi were both born in November. So figuring out what to get them for their birthday which is right around the corner from the holiday season poses great stress. My grandchildren, like most children, have way too many toys. If your grandchildren are young, getting something that they need makes sense as they will not remember or care what you got them. They seem to be more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes then they are in the gift itself. Some of the gifts that have been greatly appreciated by my grandchildren's parents are clothes in a size or two larger than they wear, diapers, walkers, and high chairs. Especially diapers. Another idea with so many working parents is paying for a month or week of daycare.
This year, my soon to be two year old grandson is in need of a new bed. He keeps crawling out of his crib and falling out of the youth bed that was created from his crib. So we will be getting him a mattress and his other grandparents are getting him bedding. Our soon to be five year old granddaughter is old enough to appreciate and remember the gifts that she is given. At this age or older, I would recommend providing them with experiences. A trip to the theme parks (as I live in Orlando), music or dance lessons, or perhaps a weekend trip to a destination that would interest your grandchild (consider the age of your grandchild when picking the destination). This year the grandparents are all chipping in to give our granddaughter ballet and tap lessons. We included her in the decision making process of choosing what kind of lesson she wanted. She chose ballet and tap. We took her to watch a class and she was invited to participate. She loved it.
The things that our granddaughter seems to remember most fondly are the experiences that we have given her, not the toys.
This year, my soon to be two year old grandson is in need of a new bed. He keeps crawling out of his crib and falling out of the youth bed that was created from his crib. So we will be getting him a mattress and his other grandparents are getting him bedding. Our soon to be five year old granddaughter is old enough to appreciate and remember the gifts that she is given. At this age or older, I would recommend providing them with experiences. A trip to the theme parks (as I live in Orlando), music or dance lessons, or perhaps a weekend trip to a destination that would interest your grandchild (consider the age of your grandchild when picking the destination). This year the grandparents are all chipping in to give our granddaughter ballet and tap lessons. We included her in the decision making process of choosing what kind of lesson she wanted. She chose ballet and tap. We took her to watch a class and she was invited to participate. She loved it.
The things that our granddaughter seems to remember most fondly are the experiences that we have given her, not the toys.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Grandparents Who Are Parenting Their Grandchildren
If you are a grandparent who is raising your grandchildren be careful not to fall into the role of a grandparent. You must take on the role of a parent. For the good of your grandchildren it is important to discipline them when necessary and not spoil them with all kinds of gifts. No matter the reason that you find yourself in this position, it is imperative that you fill the role of parent. Your grandchild's success as an adult depends on it.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Grandparents and the Different Roles They Play in Grandchildren's Lives
With the increase in single parent households and two income households, the role of grandparents becomes more important than ever.
As I begin a series on grandparenting, I realize that grandparents can play a number of different roles in their grandchildren's lives. I will be giving suggestions for each of five types of roles that grandparents may play. The five types are: Daycare Grandparents, Close-By Grandparents, Distant Grandparents, Parent-Grandparents and Absent Grandparents.
Daycare Grandparents are being defined as grandparents who care for their grandchildren three or more days a week while parent is working. Close-By Grandparents live near their grandchildren and are able to see them on a regular basis. Distant Grandparents live far away from their grandchildren and are only able to see them a few times a year. Parent-Grandparents are those grandparents who are raising their grandchildren on their own. Absent Grandparents are those grandparents who choose not to have a relationship with their grandchildren or the children's parents refuse to allow them access to their grandchildren.
Each of these relationships requires different types of interactions and I will therefore address them in separate posts. Each post will give suggestions regarding gifting, and specific interactions that may improve your relationship no matter your circumstances with your granchild.
As I begin a series on grandparenting, I realize that grandparents can play a number of different roles in their grandchildren's lives. I will be giving suggestions for each of five types of roles that grandparents may play. The five types are: Daycare Grandparents, Close-By Grandparents, Distant Grandparents, Parent-Grandparents and Absent Grandparents.
Daycare Grandparents are being defined as grandparents who care for their grandchildren three or more days a week while parent is working. Close-By Grandparents live near their grandchildren and are able to see them on a regular basis. Distant Grandparents live far away from their grandchildren and are only able to see them a few times a year. Parent-Grandparents are those grandparents who are raising their grandchildren on their own. Absent Grandparents are those grandparents who choose not to have a relationship with their grandchildren or the children's parents refuse to allow them access to their grandchildren.
Each of these relationships requires different types of interactions and I will therefore address them in separate posts. Each post will give suggestions regarding gifting, and specific interactions that may improve your relationship no matter your circumstances with your granchild.
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