Grandparents

1. 81

   elayne001posted 14 years ago

   Do you have any ideas of how a grandparent can be more relevant in the lives of their grandchildren. Some only have the reputation of being amusing.

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   1. 69

      alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Give them more respect yourelf, the kids will follow naturally.

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      1. 60

         GoldiStringposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I absolutely agree.

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   2. 71

      earnestshubposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I find listening to little ones and being there for them is huge!
      Unconditional love covers it all.
      
      Talk to them at eye level, remark on there conversation and ... listen with proper respect.

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   3. 0

      ankigarg87posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Grandparents is the ideal for his grandchildren as children learn so many things from them. So respect them and take care of them

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   4. 62

      purpleangel47posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I am a Nana to five grandbabies - soon to be six - ages 5, 5, 3, 2, and two months.
      I am such a better Nana than I was a Mom. I've learned that these aren't just short adults. I talk earnestly to my babies. I ask questions about what they think, how they feel and what they want. With the two that live with me with their Mom, I make sure I hug and kiss them everyday. With the ones that don't, they get quality time with Nana when they're with me.

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2. 73

   raisingmeposted 14 years ago

   Spend some one on one time with them.  It will delight you both!

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3. 0

   selrachposted 14 years ago

   I know this is a little of topic but I just wanted to share it. I am going to be a grandfather for the first time in November.I think I am more exited than when I had my own kids.
   Part of the reason being I am a recovering alcoholic, and a few years ago would not have been trust to look after a dog,never mind look after a baby.

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   1. 81

      aka-djposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Good for you! I just became one for the first time two weeks ago.
      Only had a few hours with her, (due to the long distance that separates us). Looking forward to the best ever time with her, and any more that I may be blessed with in the future).

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   2. 81

      elayne001posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That is great selrach, that you have changed so you can spend quality time with your new grandchild. Grandchildren love unconditionally and can bring so much joy to your life.

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   3. 72

      lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Selrach-I'm a new grandma of 21 days.  As we've talked about before, I too am a recovering alcoholic.  It's so strange and wonderful-enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

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4. 60

   A la carteposted 14 years ago

   Be yourself.

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5. 81

   aka-djposted 14 years ago

   Don't know yet, as I'm new to the GP role. But if my relationship to my nieces and nephews is anything to go by,
   Love em
   have fun with em
   show your disciplined side
   and you will have their love, affection & respect.
   

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6. 60

   joaniembposted 14 years ago

   I am a grandparent 5 times. Spend quality time with them, don't let anything get in your way. Talk to them play with them. I am lucky that my grandchildren live close so I get to see them very often. They are precious and I am enjoying this days as much as I can.

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7. 82

   lex123posted 14 years ago

   I'm a first time grandma. We had received lots of love from our grandparents, and I hope to return the same to my grandchild. I feel so great to become a grandma for my lovely grandson.

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8. 64

   Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

   No grandparents could have been more relevant in their grandchildren's lives than my kids' three grandparents (two grandmothers and paternal grandfather).  All it took was that the grandparents loved them, were kind to them, enjoyed doings things with or for them, and enjoyed their time with them.  Their paternal grandparents were a few hours away, so having some distance didn't make a lot of difference either.  I think having that special grandparent/grandchild bond is about as relevant as it gets.  Congratulations to all you new grandparents and soon-to-be grandparents.   

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9. 72

   lorlie6posted 14 years ago

   I had one grandparent in my life-my maternal grandmother.  I wish the others hadn't passed, but she was sufficiently 'grand!'

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10. 78

    H.C Porterposted 14 years ago

    I was really close to my grandmother- and all she did was listen to me-tell me the truth when i asked questions- not judge me- let me know she loved me and saw me for who i was-and encouraged me to be myself- and spoke to me not down to me or at me.
    I think being a good grandparent is much like being a good parent without yelling so much. Guide them when they are in need and love them always...with kids, you often have to make the effort, until they are older and wise enough to see that they need to participate in the give and take of the relationship and give some effort to be with you.

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