Be a better grandarent. frank4zen 1 comment

1 Oct 2009 @ 10:04 Grandparenting is more than a role; it is a responsibility~ Children benefit from the emotional support, guidance, and love that is available in an extended family. You can fulfill a critical role in the lives of your grandchildren. Offer your children any parenting suggestions they request, but don’t force unwanted advice on them. Let them make their own mistakes. Share your ideas tentatively so as not to make them feel inadequate as parents. Adopt a hands-on approach with your grandchildren; bond with them early in their lives. Take your grandchildren places without their parents on occasion. Create your own relation- ship with them. Leave disciplining to parents, and support them in it. Be a teacher, confidant, and supporter. If you live far away, send your grandchildren audio- and videotapes with special messages from you. Write letters often. Allow each child to be an individual. Don’t expect children to mirror you, their parents, or each other. Never let grandchildren hear you compare one to the other. Don’t give one a nickname that diminishes the others. Exam- pie: Don’t call one your “special guy.” Be prepared for jealousy from older grandchildren when you lavish attention on the latest arrival. Don’t take sides in family squabbles, but always be available to listen to hurts. Never criticize your children in front of their children. If you live with your children, respect their privacy, don’t complain about the food or your living conditions, help with household chores, handle your own finances, and provide the family with treats now and then.

1 comment

---

Your Name:
Your URL:	(or email)
Subject:
Comment:
	For verification, please type the word you see on the left:

---

New Civilization Network - Personal News Logs - Workgroup News Logs - Syndication