What advice do you have for a first time grandparent?

Question

p.s. Wishing and hoping to be a grandparent someday!

I love all your answers! I've given all of you a thumbs up except Jillineg. I'm not too sure I understand your answer.Please edit.

Answer 1

Don't interfere, don't give advice unless it's asked for, don't call around all the time to see how the baby is going. Be there for support. Be there for support. Be there for support.

Answer 2

Being grandma is the most wonderful part of my life!!! More important than the fun and joy it brings, though, remember that you are an extremely special and IMPORTANT person in the child's life! You have the tremendous opportunity and the awesome responsibility to help with moral and spiritual development; you have the wisdom (one would hope!) that comes with age and experience to put matters in a proper perspective. You see all the good in this child, you have the luxury of being patient, compassionate, kind, and merciful. Be firm; don't allow your precious little one to take the wrong path - but have fun, be gracious, find time to savor life with him. Look at ants for hours, watch a squirrel run up a tree - see the wonders of our world again through young eyes! What a delight, what a privilege, what an opportunity for second chances.

Answer 3

As a grandparent, it is important that you maintain a constant presence in their life. When doing so, many first time grandparents want to shower their grandchildren with gifts. Of course, this is more than do able, but you will also want to remember that your time is the greatest gift that you can give your grandchild. Whether you buy them a new book or read them a book that they already own, you will be bonding with your grandchild and participating in activities that can have positive impacts on their future.

It is also important that you know your boundaries. As a parent yourself, you may have a load of advice to give to your son or daughter. While this advice may and will likely be appreciated, it is important to proceed with caution. You will not want to go overboard. In fact, this is where many family problems start. A few helpful tips here and there are encouraged, but you should not intervene in a level more than that of a grandparent, unless of course you suspect neglect.


Hope this works for you, and good luck, you will do great when your time comes!

Answer 4

The first grandchild is exiting, and really all the ones down the line are just as joyful. The advice I would give, is to not harp regarding the well being of the child. In giving advice just precede with caution to see how mama takes instructions, My four daughter take the advice well, but it's a little different when it comes to son-in-law families.

Answer 5

First time I saw and held my grandson in the hospital I had the oddest feeling. It was the wonderment of it all. What I mean is..I could feel my mother, my grandmother, my great grandmother and everyone else I know in my family for that brief moment. That was my baby having a baby at 30. Brought tears to my eyes . Hard to explain but it was an incredible moment. He is 3 now and when he sees me he screams with delight. What a feeling that this little person thinks I'm so wonderful! You'll love it.

Answer 6

GIVE THE PARENTS A BREAK AND WATCH THE CHILD. THEY THINK YOU ARE HELPING THEM HAVE SOME QUALITY TIME TOGETHER., IN REALITY YOU ARE HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.
LETS SEE NOW, 6 CHILDREN, 2 STEP DAUGHTERS, 13 GRANDCHILDREN.
WE HAVE JUST LOST OUR FIRST GREAT GRANDCHILD ON THE 19TH. BUT LIFE IS THAT WAY. THE MASTER HAS A PLAN AND YOU MUST ACCEPT THAT, SO NOW WE HAVE AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER US.
WE HAD OUR TWO FIRST CHILDREN STILL BORN, THEN BOOM IT HAPPENED. THEN CAME THE LOVES OF LIFE AND FAMILY GRAND CHILDREN.(THEY WILL KEEP YOU IN SHAPE AND YOUNG IN SPIRIT. THE THINGS CHILDREN SAY. LAUGH ALL NIGHT. LOVE TO SEE THEM COME AND HATE TO SEE THEM GO.)
ONE THING FOR SURE THE DINNER TABLE NEVER GETS SMALLER WHEN WE DO GET TOGETHER. ALL IN 4 STATES SO IT DOES TAKE A COORDINATION EFFORT TO HAVE EVERYONE AT ONCE.

Answer 7

OK, so you are not a grandparent yet. Let me give you a very important WARNING. This is serious stuff. Sit down. Ready?
When you first set eyes on that grandchild, it will hit you like a ton of bricks that you had never loved a child as strongly as you love that grandchild. You will be ashamed to realized that you know deep inside your heart, that your love for that grandchild is stronger than the love you had for your own kids.
My kids know it from me. I told them, they too will feel the same way for their grandchildren..
I have one grandchild (one of eight mind you) living with me that I love with all my heart and soul and with every part of my being. I even love her little smelly feet. LOL

Answer 8

Babysit when it is necessary, but don't let them take advantage of your free time. Don't offer advice, just answer when asked, remember there is other grandparents, so don't be pushy. Don't buy their love, they will know if you really care, without having things bought for them. Seen that happen to many times, and then have it backfire when the money runs out for expensive things.

Answer 9

Love them, spoil them, but respect the parents wishes on issues. The fastest way to lose seeing those precious little ones is to make the parents feel like you over step their authority.

Answer 10

One thing that is important, although everyone else has already stated it is to hold your tongue. Don't give advice, unless it is asked for. Don't criticize their parenting style.

All of my grandchildren live in different states, and they are all young. My son makes sure that his child knows about me, hears about me and sees my picture. Now that he is old enough (4) he is allowed to call me. I treasure that my son nurtures the relationship between me and my grandson.