How do you become a good grandma when you don't have a close relationship with the parents?Also they live 3 hr

Question

Also they live 3 hours away

Answer 1

You do not need a close distance or a good relationship with the parents to be a good grandmother. But you do need to keep a constant relationship with the grandchildren. That means keeping contact, inviting them over just because, offering to help when the parents can't, remembering birthdays(but not spoiling them with gifts) and seeing eachother for holidays atleast. My grandmother was always the backbone of my family, which meant that she was the one we always went to for advice on everything. As a grandmother you have lived longer and experienced more than most of the rest of your family. Use your life experiences and personal knowledge to guide and direct your grandchildren as the grow older. And never argue with the parents infront of the children or talk bad about the childrens parents when your around them. This cause the children to gain a sense that they need to choose, grandma or mom. Children can be easily brainwashed througout the years and could cause problems later on in life with the family. So remember to always be positive and help whenever it is appropriate, dont try to be the mother. And always, show unconditional love. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

You bite the bullet and "eat it" and cowtow to the stupid parents to get your eyes and ears on the grandkids and maybe you can offer to babysit the kids to give the parents a break, etc. etc. Your focus is the children and whatever stuff you have with them or they with you, you have to be the bigger person. Send appropriate cards - educationally themed and small, unique little things such as a colorful turtle carved out of wood with a bobbing head. Suggest the kids start a collection. But you actually have to apologize to the creepy parents (if they are the problem) to get and keep access. God will love you for it.
Three hours away is far enough but not too far.

Answer 3

My mom is an excellent grandma and she lives 15 hours away. Just be there for things as much as possible- if my mom lived 3 hours away I bet she'd be here every weekend and some week days!

Answer 4

First and foremost, stay on civil terms with the parents, in doing so, they will be more agreeable in letting you see your grandchild. Call frequently, write real letters, not email to your grandchild. You may have to do most of the driving so visit. Offer to keep your grandchild when mom and dad need time together, or maybe just ask to keep him/her. You can build a strong bond with a child from a distance.

Answer 5

I have some bad grandparents and some great grandparents and none of them have ever lived close to me. Be sure to call on all major holidays, and to send presents for specific holidays as well. Even if they are too young to know, the parents will know. Invite the parents to visit you, make it as comfortable as possible, with plenty of activities planned for both you and your granchildren as well as for the parents. Also, you must go visit as well. I have a grandmother who has never once been to our hosue to see us. It makes me sad that she doesn't care enough to come and visit even for a day. Also, as your grandchild gets older perhaps you can begin writing letters. I used to send pictures I had drawn to my grandpa until I was old enough to write. One of my grandmothers even planned a beach trip, taking me for the weekend to the beach, just the two of us. It was very nice. Most of all, just tell your grandchild how much you love them and how proud you are of them no matter what they do.

Answer 6

Try to be present with them in the important moments: christmas, birthdays, festivals, etc. Use the technology, make your grandchild know that you have a telephone line open, a cellphone receiving SMS and an e-mail account willing to chat and receive news from them.