The Golden Years provides wonderful opportunities. One of the greatest is grand parenting. The minute you become a grandparent, you are bestowed with certain characteristics: bragging rights of the finest, most beautiful, most exceptional children on the planet, expert kissing and hugging skills, and the intense impulse to be a loved and respected grandparent.
Grandparents fall in love with their grandchildren. You want them to know how special they are to you and the way to measure that is by how special you seem to be to them. Here are some strategies.
DON'T BUY THEIR LOVE. Promises of forbidden cookies and late bedtimes may have your grandchildren looking forward to a visit, but that kind of adoration fades when the sugar rush is over. Special gifts, extra money are appreciated but building a relationship based on true affection will be more meaningful to you and children.
LISTEN TO THEM. Ask them questions, then sit back and let them know they are heard. You don't have to correct them or give advise. Just repeat back what they have told you. You won't sound like a friend or one of their friends. You'll become a confidant.
FIND SIMILARITIES. Talk about their favorite things. what are their favorite foods, colors, activities and see if they match your own. Sharing interests strengthens your bond. When they think of their favorite things, they'll associate it with you.
LOVE, UNDERSTAND AND BE KIND. Children make mistakes. They sometimes may annoy or disappoint you but always remember they are your blood. They are "from" you and they will need loving guidance, understanding and patience.
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