Good Grandparenting Requires Rules
This list of the Top Ten Rules for Grandparents, is a product of this "Nana's" personal experience as a grandmother! Being a Grandparent, for this Nana – is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. I currently have seven adorable grandchildren, with two more expected, come April. So, I know one or two things about positive grandparenting.
Let me just say, that I reserve the right to make changes to this current list of Top Ten Rules for Grandparents. However, I believe that these particular "rules" offer some really terrific advice, and that all grandparents will benefit through application. This list is not in any particular order of importance. Each one of these "rules", have somewhat equal merit for good grandparenting practices.
- Always have a small "sweet-treat" readily available, i.e. purse, pocket, etc…
- Refrain from having a "gift" every time you see your grandchildren.
- Always be willing to read to your grandchild, their favorite book.
- Have one-on-one dates, beginning after they are completely potty trained.
- Tell them you love them every time you see or speak with them, regardless of their age.
- Refrain from disciplining your grandchildren – unless safety is involved.
- Support the parents of your grandchildren – with their parenting style.
- Know what's happening with your grandchildren's education.
- Be involved with their extra-curricular activities, as time and distance permit.
- Arrange for frequent visits with your grandchildren.
In the coming months, I will expand and explain my personal reasons for listing these specific rules of grandparenting on my Top Ten list for grandparents. I'm thinking that to some of you – I've got some xsplainin to do!
I look forward to sharing with each one of you, my readers – my love, experience and understanding of our very important role as grandparents, in the lives of our beautiful grandchildren.
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
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Kathryn can be found many place on the Internet, writing about a variety of topics that include; Parenting, Grandparenting, Religion, Marriage – and that which affects The Family, today. To learn more about Kathryn, visit her portal website KathrynSkaggs.com
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I like these 10 rules. I would also add one. As a grandparent, if you are fortunate to still have you spouse, I think it's important to help facilitate them spending time with your grandchildren. My wife and I love to visit our grandchildren together. However, we can't always both travel at the same time. So we sacrifice some of our time together and encourage the other to go have a wonderful visit.
Judging from my experience as a mom, this top ten list is spot on. These types of actions/activities are so wonderful and build great bonds with my children.
I was trying to email this list to my sister as we have been trying to figure out just what the grandparents' role is in our families. I like this list and wish it were acceptable to send it to my parents. I'm not sure how they would take it, but I love it! Good grandparenting!!
Jen
http://www.ListPlanIt.com
Great list. I'm sure there are others that come from being in your grandchildren's lives. These 10 get you there.
Thanks Kathyrn
You know I didn't have the priviledge of having my grandparents around. As I begin the journey of family history boy I wish they were around. Plus it is nice to have someone other than your parents to go to in good and bad times
!
I remember the first time I met you on hub pages, and I told you it felt like you were the nana I always wanted. I love what you do and thank you for your support and encouragement!
@Shayne -
There is no doubt that couples who are grandparents can, and should – support each other in visiting their grandchildren.
However, I'm not ready to start handing out marriage advice, when it comes to grandparenting! LOL
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
@Jodi -
I appreciate the "mom" approval for this list of Top Ten Rules for Grandparents. Trust me, it is very important to have a positive relationship with the parents of our grandchildren. The things that we do for and with our grandchildren, must have the support of their parents.
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
@List Mama -
No doubt, many parents would like to "frame" this list of grandparenting rules, and even hang it for their own parents!
I'm not sure which, or how many of the rules your children's grandparents struggle with, but I am well aware that if these rules are not applied in the relationship with our grandchildren – problems can arise.
Perhaps you could simply introduce the grandparents in your life, to the Timeless Bliss channel, here on Blissfully Domestic? They will find me:-)
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
@Kagwiria -
Isn't it interesting, that sometimes what we lack in our lives, can have a more powerful influence on our lives, than what we "have"?
I too, did not have the constant influence in my life, of my own grandparents. However, I had the opportunity because of my parent's divorce – to go and live with one of my grandmother's for a time. That was powerful.
I later realized just how much her influence in my life, meant. As my own children began to have babies, I became determined to fulfill my role as a grandparent, in their lives.
Sometimes, it is the knowing of what is missing – which drives us to be better people.
Today, I clearly see the power of a Grandparent. Parents need our help and support to bring up their children. Our grandchildren are such a blessing to us.
Thank you for your very kind words.
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
That was an impressive list. I can't think of anything
else to add. I had my grandmother living in Argentina, so I wasn't able to experience the "grandmother benefit". My mother is too independent, and my son doesn't see her often.`.
@Claudia -
I understand what you are saying. I honestly believe, that most grandparents, just don't realize what an impact they could have on their grandchildren's lives. We need to change that.
Thank you for your comment.
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
These are wonderful tips for grandparents, Kathryn. There is something so incredibly wonderful about the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents, and this article will help foster that.
Shirley -
YES, there is something wonderful about the connection between grandparents, and their grandchildren… IF grandparents will take on the responsibility to create it!
Like any long-term relationship, it takes work. Granted, our relationship with a grandchild, is among the most rewarding that we can develop.
These "rules" for grandparenting, are meant to help in the creation of that most wonderful relationship:-)
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
some great advice thanks for sharing this
I really appreciate number 2. We moved closer to the parents so that our kids could grow up near family… but we moved to the same town. Now we have to contend with grandma bringing a gift every time she see's the boys, but it is about 3 times a week. She always brings something.
We do not buy them much and are a little concerned that they are beginning to expect it from her. We can not get her to stop even though we have repeatedly told her.
So I very much agree with this one.
I would also add not to be offended if your kids do not always take your advice… though it may go with supporting their parenting decisions.