How to be a Good Grandparent

Tap to Read ➤ Cheryl Mascarenhas

So what if you have been the best mum, or a loving dad in the past, you now have an additional expectation to meet; that of being a good grandparent. When it comes to grandparenting, it is akin to honing your parenting skills and what beats being the best? Absolutely nothing.

"George Banks must accept the reality of what his daughter's ascension from daughter to wife, and now, to mother means when placed into perspective against his own stage of life .... George must now contend not only with his new status as a grandfather ..." - Father of the Bride Part II

Becoming a grandparent is a significant milestone, marking you as a cherished, valued, and loved member. Your duty is to enrich and inspire your grandchild's life.

Now that won't be much of a hurdle, especially if you have been a parent before and know the tricks to right parenting. The best part of being a grandparent is that you get to revisit your childhood, play with innocence and recreate memories of a different kind altogether.

In a family, grandparents are like the base pillars and cement that hold everything together. Being a good grandparent is intuitive; trust your instincts.

Being a Good Grandparent

Between You and Your Child Your child becomes the link between you and your grandchild. Maintain a healthy bond with your child to nurture this connection.

Respect your child and his/her spouse with their decisions to raise their offspring. Offering a helping hand is a good gesture, but keep it minimalistic to avoid interfering in their parenting skills. After all, it is their first experience at being parents too!

"Grandparents are the footsteps to the future generations." - Author Unknown

Spend Quality Time Loved ones value companionship over material gifts. Spending quality time with your grandchild strengthens your bond.

Children learn by listening; it would benefit you if you keep a few stories ready in mind. In the initial days, you might be expected to help around with caring for the child. Be prepared to give your time and attention.

"To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have already been paid." - Robert Brault

Babysit your Grandchild Offer to babysit if your son/daughter is a working parent. New parents often need assistance with childcare.

Do your bit to help your child, but remember never to overdo things, for it may seem to be intruding on the young parents. Your presence will be much appreciated when you give your child and his/her spouse their own space with their child.

"Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being." - Margaret Mead

Make them Love and Care for You Strengthen your bond with your grandchild by making every visit interesting and meaningful.

Sing them songs, play with them, pamper them with gifts, tell them stories, talk to them, make them laugh; do everything to make them feel special. Even if you are staying a mile away from your grandchildren and cannot meet them very often, make it a point to call and ask about them; besides, do whatever it takes to make them want to come back to meet you.

"To a small child, the perfect granddad is unafraid of big dogs and fierce storms but absolutely terrified of the word 'boo'." - Robert Brault

Plan Activities To be a beloved grandparent, engage your grandchildren with fun activities and tasks. Plan activities where they can help you, strengthening your bond.

Activities like car washing, lawn mowing, gardening, fruit plucking, carpentry, cooking, etc., can be more fun when it is done in the company of your grandchild. Make everyday activities fun and interesting for the new learner, you never know your grandchild might enjoy doing what you do best.

"Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet." - Gene Perret

Make them Love and Care for You When it comes to the moral upbringing of the child, parents mostly rely on the grandparents to impart the traditional values.

Grandparents are meant to pamper the child, but remember to do it in moderation so that the child is not spoiled for choice. Whenever you get the opportunity to be with your family, grab it I'll say and use it to teach (not preach) your grandchild about the customs and traditions. Every once in a while spend time with your entire family.

"Grandparents hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever." - Author Unknown

Grandparents are meant to pamper the child, but remember to do it in moderation so that the child is not spoiled for choice. Whenever you get the opportunity to be with your family, grab it I'll say and use it to teach (not preach) your grandchild about the customs and traditions. Every once in a while spend time with your entire family.