Although I’m not too happy about being known as Gran, especially as I still feel young and vibrant, the role itself is one I see as incredibly important. After all, it takes a village to raise a child, and that means the time I spend with my grandkids isn’t just fun but essential for their development as people as well. That is why I’m determined to make the most of it, something that following the advice below can help me do. Keep reading to find out more.
So talk to them, not at them.
I actually think grandparent can be better than parents at the sometimes because they are less stressed out, and so have more patience! After all, we know that at the end of the day, or weekend the kids will go back to their parents and we can have our lives back to normal!
Of course, it’s crucial to talk to kids because you find they often have important things to say. Just because they are young it’s doesn’t mean they don’t have feelings or on opinions things that are going on in their lives, and it doesn’t mean they aren’t facing problems in school, at home, or with their friends.
In fact, if you don’t take the time to talk to them about this sort of thing, you can entirely skip over this, leaving the child to deal with things on their own, which can be very stressful for them. That’s why instead of just telling them what to do all the time, I always make time to ask them about how they are, what they think, and how they are feeling.
Don’t contradict their parent’s wishes.
I’ll admit it, I’ve been tempted to go against what the grandkids parents have asked us to do once in a while. I’ve wanted to give them that extra piece of chocolate or let them stay up late. However, I’ve also learned that while I may not agree with every rule that their parent put in place, it’s crucial that we support them by following these.
After all, I decided how my children were raised, and I have to afford my kids the same. Even if I do want to be the fun granny who give the ice cream for breakfast!
Do encourage them to push themselves.
Another way that I like to support the development of my grandchildren is to help foster their sense of confidence. Occasionally this means encouraging them to push themselves and try new things like going on school trips, attending a club they haven’t been too before, or even trying some sort of green vegetable with their dinner!
Of course, I also try and get the right balance between positive encouragement, and being too pushy. In fact, being overly pushy usually doesn’t work with kids anyway because they either rebel and dig their heel in more. Also, sometimes concerning their long term development it can make them into a more ‘people pleasing’ type of person which can cause a lot of problems for them in life later on.
Don’t let them run you ragged.
Kids are smart, and that is why when I’m taking care of them I also have to make sure that they don’t run me ragged! What this means is that I have to set boundaries and be consistent when keeping them, especially regarding things like bedtimes, dinner times, what they can watch on TV, and how they behave when we go out.
In particular, when I take the grandkids out on a day trip, I need to know they are going to listen to me and obey the instruction I give them. In fact, it’s crucial to their safety! That is why I always lay down my expectations clearly when I see them and make sure there is a consequence for when they don’t follow these.
Do make your time together fun.
Lastly, as a Gran, I see it as my duty to make our time together not only good for their development but fun as well. After all, the grandkids won’t want to come over and spend much time with me if we spend every hour doing jigsaw puzzles!
That is why I always try and keep some fun crafts and creative activities in the house, as well as a few of their favourite DVDs. I like to plan enjoyable trips out to local places like parks, museums, and even cafes as a positive use of our time together as well. All things that contribute to me making the most of my role as a Gran!
