To know your Grandparents as a child and then as an adult is an honor that not all of us get to have. Having Grandparents who are a constant in our lives and who continuously show up, is an even bigger privilege. Sure, the occasional phone call, holiday cards, and birthday gifts are nice. But from what I see with my babies, nieces, and nephew, active grandparenting is what they crave.
Grandparents
Just like in parenting, our children want our attention. Having Grandparents who want to give that attention, at all times, is something so special, an unbreakable bond.
The first thing my son wanted to do when he got a new scooter, was to show Grandpa. When he wanted to go to the zoo, he asked for Mimi to take him. It made me the happiest Mama to know that my children’s trust, cherish and look up to their Grandparents, because I know just how wonderful of parents they are and now my son and daughter get to experience that too.
Active Involvement
Active Grandparenting takes effort and acceptance. Effort from the Grandma and Grandpa and acceptance from the parents. To put aside any past disagreements or issues, to allow our children to build a relationship all their own.
Having adults other than your Mom and Dad to turn to, is so important. The gifts, baked goods, and experience are wonderful, but I hope that my kids find that as they grow older, both sets of their Grandparents are people they can ask favors from, to seek advice and to trust with their worries.
Active Grandparenting, I am sure, isn’t a cake walk. At times, I bet it’s exhausting trying to keep up with little kids. It also must be a complicated experience, to see how your own children parent. Which makes those Grandparents who do show up, even more amazing.
Grandparents Day
As National Grandparents day approaches (September 8th), acknowledge the Grandparents who are constantly showing up for your children. Thank them for being not only people your kids can depend on, but also yourself.
