There’s 2 really important paternal relationships: the relationship that you have with your parents and the relationship your parents have with your child. Grandma and grandpa are the loved ones you can count on for free babysitting :D and advice for your children. They get to say yes when you have no choice but to say no. When a sweet grandchild asks for his or her bedtime to be postponed, grandparents can’t bear to say no. And who can blame them for wanting to indulge their cute grandchildren? However, from the parent’s perspective, when you’re trying to establish good sleeping patterns, sticking to regular bedtimes should be consistent. It’s not too bad. That extra cookie or that extra 1 or 2 hours of play before bedtime. Children get to learn and understand that there are different rules in different settings.

As grandparents, sometimes you have to let the parent take over. Your wisdom, knowledge, and experience should be passed down but things can change with time and parents these days might want to do some things in a manner they choose. Grandparents should definitly voice their concerns and opinions, especially if it concerns the child’s safety, but if the subject matter relates to something more transitional, it’s best to let the parent try to take control first.

According to a survey conducted in 2001, the factor that affects how grandparents feel about the role they play in their grandchildren’s lives is how often they get to see them. Visits and phone calls are essential. Keeping grandparents involved in the child’s life is a way to etch into their minds the importance of a good relationship with the parents. Grandparents are the key to better understanding one’s parents as well, including their childhood. I bet they’d love to share some embarrassing stories of mom and dad! They’re also the peace-promoters :)

If you have grandparents from different sides of the family that tend to get competitive, try to discuss visitations and dividing up certain tasks ahead of time. We know how grandparents dearly want to express their  love for their grandchildren. Everyone deserves a chance to be involved! :) Let’s share the love.f

When I was a child I never had grandparents and I always wanted them. I use to watch the other children on the block have special times with their grandparents who gave them unconditional love, and special treats! I use to want to adopt them as my own. When I had children of my own I was so happy that my children were lucky enough to have their grandparents around them. I remember consciously moving aside so that they could develop their own special relationship, ties, memories with their grandparents. Grandma would make them a chicken soup or banana bread that to this day they search for. Grandpa would hold them in his lap and read to them. They are unforgettable memories. The stories that are passed down and the love that was felt will never be forgotten.

How do you feel about the role grandparents play in your child’s life? Are their any stories you can share with our readers? Please comment.

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