Grandparenting Tips-CreatingThat Special Bond

The bond often shared between grandchild and grandparent is a very
special one. I can remember going to visit my grandparents on Sundays
with my family. My "Nannie" always had special treats ready for us. She
gave my first doll, and at her suggestion, kept my doll at her house so
I'd always have something fun to play with when I visited.
Now that I am a grandmother for the first time, I can only hope to have
the same special bond with my grandson that I had with my grandmother.

Many have likened being a grandparent with the analogy that it's like
having all the joys of parenting without the day to day stress of the
parenting responsibilities. If you are a grandparent or are about to
become a grandparent, enjoy this special time in your life!

Try these tips to get the most out of your grandparenting experience.

1.    Before the baby arrives, be supportive of the new
parents-to-be. Support their decision to become parents and support
their relationship.

2.    Look at grandparenting as a "second chance". You can learn from
your past mistakes as a parent and not repeat them as a grandparent.

3.    Remember your role as a grandparent is different than it was as
a parent. Know your boundaries.

4.    Remember the importance of being caring, loving, and supportivein a non-judgmental manner.

5.    Become a "hip" grandparent. Stay (or get) current on technology
to keep up with your grandchildren. Be computer literate, keep in touch
via email perhaps learning to text message. Don't be critical about
clothing, music and hair styles. Staying current will help let your
grandchildren know you understand him/her.

6.    Share their world. You will find it's really not so differenton a fundamental level. Attend their ballgames, plays, recitals etc. to show your interest in their lives.

7.    Spend quality, one- on -one time with your grandchild.  Give
them your undivided attention during this time. It's not always enough
to just be around them during family gatherings.

8.    Stay in touch with your grandchildren. If you don't live close
enough to see them on a regular basis, write, email or call weekly.

9.    Try to remain harmonious with your grandchild's parents. This
is especially important when there are differences in your
child-rearing practices.

10.    Be a role model to your grandchildren. Remember that you are
the family source of information on family history, parenting and life.