Tips For First Time Grand-Parents
Becoming a grandparent is one of the most joyous aspects of getting older. However, it can be overwhelming and a little frightening if it is the first time. Here are some tips to make the transition into grandparenting enjoyable and fun…
Support the New Parents
Being involved in your grandchild’s life is really exciting, but it’s important to remember that there are boundaries. Don’t turn up unannounced, ask permission or wait to be asked by the parents before coming over. When you do visit, offer to cook, clean or even run errands, these are the things new parents appreciate. One of the best things to do is offering to babysit. This allows the parents some much needed time off and some quality time with your grandchild.
Don’t Over Indulge
It might be tempting to go on a shopping spree when you have a grandchild on the way, but make sure you ask the parents-to-be what they need, what they already have and what they don’t want.
Be Constructive, Not Opinionated
It’s important not to continuously correct, criticise or judge the decisions made by the parents-to-be. No matter how you feel about the new parents’ choices or decisions, remember there are often many ways to achieve the same result.
If the new parents want or need your advice, they will ask for it. They will no doubt be getting unwanted advice from everyone in their lives. Give non-judgmental, non-critical advice when asked – it’s a scary thing being a parent and you’ve had plenty of experience.
Be Prepared to Share
Remember that in the majority of families there are two sets of grandparents (or sometimes more). Communicate with the other grandparents to organise visits and birthday presents or gifts (so you don’t double up).
Make Some Memories
As a first-time grandparent, you’re going to want to take a ton of photos of your new grandchild. Remember to bring a camera or your phone with you when you visit to capture all of the amazing things they’re bound to do. Choose a method to record and store these memories (on your phone/camera or in a scrapbook) so you can look back and reminisce about them in the future.
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