Grandparent wisdom.....

[Minnie]

My grandparents were so different. My paternal grandparents were just a very stern version of my parents, I only visited them when I was made to.

My maternal grandparents, were the best, they loved us unconditionally and nothing we did was wrong and I would have stayed with them forever. I was lucky to have my maternal grandmother until she was 102 and I miss her greatly. I was blessed that my daughter got to spend many years with my Grandmother.

She practiced the Kurt method of being a Grandmother. I gave this poem to my Grandmother on one of her birthdays, it is still a favorite of mine.

What are Grandparents made of?

Hope and pride, pure joy inside
Warm hugs and kisses, shooting star wishes
Tickles and fun, a sprinkle of sun
Hands to hold, hearts of gold...


That's what Grandparents are made of

Tales from the past, memories to last
Laps for reading. "I love you" greetings
Wisdom to teach, always in reach
Toys galore, eyes that adore...


That's what Grandparents are made of

Patience and time, trees to climb
Baby photos in frames, childhood games
Bragging rights, sleep over nights
Comforting arms, magical charms...


That's what Grandparents are made of

Kindness and care, affection to share
Heart-to-heart talks, unhurried walks
Faith and trust, spoiling a must
Endless love, a gift from above...


That's what Grandparents are made of

By Teri Harrison

 

[scooterbug44]

My paternal grandparents were strict too - that's why it was so good that I got to do projects with them and spend time w/ them.

Pretty funny how Grandma's objections to yardwork being unladylike only applied to me helping Grandpa - it was fine for me to clean cartloads of weeds out of the woods while she chatted w/ me. Though she may have just been trying to keep me away from the falling trees and chainsaws.

 

[Beach Boy]

This is wonderful - thanks for your replies! I will NOT try to cut hair - we only had sons so the hair thing is going to be a challenge for me. I need to get a "how to braid' DVD.

I had suggested I be called grandmommy, but that was voted down (already taken by the maternal grandmother) so I think I'll go with Mi Mi .......... it's easy to say and not taken .....yet.

You all are the best. SoWal is like being part of a small hometown that I always wanted - everyoen helps everyone (I was from Miami) - wish I lived there full time!

Spoil, spoil. spoil - got it -what fun!

 

[Beach Boy]

Loved the poem, Minnie! I will be making many copies of it.

 

[audie]

This is wonderful - thanks for your replies! I will NOT try to cut hair - we only had sons so the hair thing is going to be a challenge for me. I need to get a "how to braid' DVD.

I had suggested I be called grandmommy, but that was voted down (already taken by the maternal grandmother) so I think I'll go with Mi Mi .......... it's easy to say and not taken .....yet.

You all are the best. SoWal is like being part of a small hometown that I always wanted - everyoen helps everyone (I was from Miami) - wish I lived there full time!

Spoil, spoil. spoil - got it -what fun!

my dad's youngest brother is only 8 yrs older than me, and for some reason we started calling my grandma "margo" - and she hated that name with a passion. she would swat us with whatever was in her hand when we called her that. of course knowing she hated it, we called her that every chance we got

 

[GoodWitch58]

Minnie, love the poem. Thanks for sharing.

before my first grandchild was born all my friends wanted to know what I wanted her to call me--to a person, they all said: "you're too young to be called Granny" I loved it!

I wanted to let my granddaughter chose what she called me.

I still remember the very first time she addressed me directly by name--it came out like Grandmer...and that is what she called me for the first few months. It eventually evolved into Granma--without the "d". Now, my grandson has his own version..his comes out more like "grMa" with the emphaisis on the Ma. It is adorable.

 

[tistheseason]

I loved what Marian Robinson said about being a Grandmother -- "It's easy to be a Grandparent when your children are good parents!"

 

[Sheila]

Savor every second.

Buy them books, they learn very early books mean one-on-one quiet time and undivided attention.

I wanted to be Grana. I chanted this to Camden from the womb and beyond. He called everyone their chosen name from a very early age. I got zip, (a tad disappointing.) Then one day when I was keeping him when he wasn't feeling well. Out of the blue, "GiGi, I love you!" Wow, was that a defining moment for me! It's so special that he decided. I love being GiGi.

Spoiling, yes. Although, you will absolutely know how far to push that envelope. It's a powerful gift or curse. You'll know. ;-)

You will be far more relaxed in some ways, than when you are in the day to day business of raising your own. It's beyond words. Congratulations!

p.s. please post pics!

 

[Rudyjohn]

Spending time with them is crucial. Sleepovers, ice cream, pop corn and Disney videos, picnics in your backyard. You get the picture.

My son only has 1 set of grandparents, who I love dearly (my in-laws), but they've always been too busy & the "bond" was never set. My son loves them with all his heart but there was never that much time spent with him, one on one.

No matter if you think that having the grandkids over might be boring if you don't shower them with expensive gifts and toys, your time is so much more valued.

Good luck and enjoy!!