15 Ways - Be the Best Grandpa Ever
It's easy to please grandchildren. Dole out love and share yourself.
New grandpa, experienced grandpa -- no matter. Here are some ways to bond with your grandchildren and give them the best you have - everything they deserve.
We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. --Stacia Tauscher
Grandfathers are terribly important to children. As grandparents, we're remembered long after we're gone. We bring treasure into children's lives and, without preaching or nagging, we have the privelege of nurturing values and ideals they need to get them through it all. Think about these ideas.
- Have a bucketful of great, funny stories to tell -- bring them out, polish them up and tell one every time your grandchild is lonely, bored or needs an adventure.
- Know where the best ice cream is in any town in which you have a grandchild. Be ready to run off any time a treat is warranted.
- Be willing, no, eager to show your grandchild how to do what you like to do. Doesn’t matter if it's fishing, surfing the 'Net or making perfect wood joinery. Teach it at whatever level your pal can grasp. Our little guy is 6 months old and loves to help grandpa compute.
- Have the biggest ears on the block and be the best listener you can be. Sometimes, advice is good. Sometimes admonishments are warranted, but lots of times, just a warm, friendly grandpa who can listen to big or little troubles is all that is needed.
- Learn some good ways to spend quiet time with your young friend. Kids are good at getting wound up, but they need and like to be calm, too. Make a mental list of soothing pastimes and be ready to suggest something when the time is right. How about a good book? Maybe a movie? A walk in the park?
- Make your home kid-friendly, a nice place where something good is likely to happen, the beds have soft blankets, the couch is feet-friendly and a grandchild can find interesting ok to play with.
- Share yourself as much as, or more than, you share money or possessions. Always make time to see a school play or look at a great report card or chat on the phone.
- Remember birthdays and special occasions. My grandmother had 20-some grandkids and each of us felt we were the very most special. It doesn’t have to be big presents. Funny cards, a special dinner, a favorite snack with Grandpa.
- Store, in your mind, the good things your grandchildren. Leave the judgement and criticism to those who have to fill that role. We all have plenty of those people, don't we? Every time you meet up with your grandkid, mention her gorgeous art work, his athletic accomplishment, or the good deed you heard about.
- Teach manners by example. Say "please," "thank you" and "your welcome" any time it's appropriate. Behave toward your grandchild as you would toward a friend, keeping in mind the differences between adults and kids. The little guys will model your behavior and earn the respect of others without even trying.
- Share your past with the next generation. Make sure, while you're in their lives, they get a terrific flavor of their history. Talk about your parents and your grandparents. Spend time going through family photos and movies. Tell them how things were different in your day and how they were the same.
- Learn a little something about the lives and times of today's kids so you can understand and share the important stuff they bring you. Who's the latest music giant? What movie is to be seen above all others? Who's the latest teen heartthrob? What new toy does everyone simply HAVE to have?
- If you choose to give a gift, give one that suits the child. Don't buy in bulk, no matter how many grands you have. If you can't afford to buy, make something. Be sure the parents are ok with the gift you want to give. Try not to overwhelm the child - she isn't looking for material wealth, she's looking for love.
- Respect mom and dad. Never, under any circumstances, allow your private feelings about their parenting style to creep into your interraction with the kids. Be upbeat and positive - empathize when the child is having normal "life is so unfair and my parents are the unfairest" moments. But don't ever take a contentious stand against mom and dad.
- Guard your grandchildren's safety. If you see real evidence of any kind of harm or abuse in their lives, take immediate, appropriate action. Every child is entitled to peace and safety. They should be able to trust and count on you, always.
Try some of these ideas, add a few of your own and just keep in mind that it's you, the person, they'll love and remember. Everything else is small stuff.
The copyright of the article 15 Ways - Be the Best Grandpa Ever in Seniors/Grandparents is owned by Maryan Pelland. Permission to republish 15 Ways - Be the Best Grandpa Ever must be granted by the author in writing.
