Being a grandparent for the first time is fun. An event that many look forward to in later life. The first snap that reaches your anxious hands, first grabs your granddaughter’s thin, fragrant body in your arms. The first time you hear the long-awaited words of “grandma,” or “grand” on the lips of the cherub, it will all melt your heart with pride, joy, and love.
Whether you live far away, in a few villages, or near a block, you can make a great impact on your grandchild's life, be a great role model, and be a great help to your daughter or son - their new role as a parent.
Priorities… New Parents - Making sure things start well, it is important to consider the following: How much help and advice? After all, you do not want to be frustrated with your new parents, who are not yet comfortable or confident in their new role as parents. Or make them appear skeptical of their ability.
To avoid potential stumbling blocks, it may be best to offer brief counsel, unless specifically requested. When new parents understand that your motive is real, not because you think you are not doing a good job, they will be more comfortable and will appreciate your unique role as a grandparent.
It is also a good idea not to criticize your child's efforts in his role as a parent - or the efforts of his or her spouse. Unless the child's safety, health, or emotional well-being is at stake, then practical suggestions instead of direct criticism will produce better results. Remember, your goal is to help you build a happy and loving environment for your grandchild, not damaged by pain or resentment.
In addition, let's look at a number of positive ways in which you can increase the quality of your life and that of your grandchild, while at the same time benefiting the lives of others involved.
Building a Special Relationship With Your Granddaughter - As a grandparent, you have a great opportunity to play a very important and positive role in their lives - now, and in the years to come.
If you live nearby, another way to spend quality time with your granddaughter is to stay with the baby, as time and health allow. This not only provides valuable moments for you and your grandchild, but new parents also benefit from leisure time alone. It is healthy for parents to take a deep breath, and who better to care for, thank you, grandparents?
Children love to be moved. They also enjoy pleasant sounds; sweet singing soothes a child, and creates a sense of satisfaction. The more you talk and sing to your granddaughter, the sooner they will learn the sound of your voice, the more they respond with giggles and giggles every time you enter the room.
The Joys of Reading - Toddlers and toddlers love to be taught. Wrapping up in a chair with your granddaughter, reading, laughing, and giggling together builds a close bond between you and your grandchild. It also helps the child to develop listening skills, interpersonal skills and language skills.
Choose stories that are interesting, age-appropriate, with lots of bright, colorful pictures. Choose stories that emphasize good moral values, and teach life lessons. After reading the story, ask your granddaughter questions about the story; discuss what happened, what the character did or did not do, and why.
Teachers often emphasize the value of the first three years of a child's life. Their brain size grows by 90%, new skills are learned, and their unique personality flourishes. Involving a young child in conversation encourages him to express his thoughts and feelings. Reading to them arouses interest in textbooks early in life. Both facilitate good communication and social skills.
Long Distance Parenting - Even if you live far away, you can still have a big impact on your grandchild's life. Precious times for back and forth visits will feel very short; but such visits will be precious and the time spent together is fondly remembered.
When grandchildren are visiting, lots of kissing and organizing special activities together are essential. A trip to the park or playground, playing a game, sharing a banana split at an ice cream shop all provide an opportunity to chat and share; to complete months or years not in between visits.
Remote grandparents can also use modern technology; Internet, fax machines, and telephones. Cell phones - especially those that allow for photo exchange - are great and help to cover miles.
E-mailing photos and messages online is an inexpensive, easy, and fun way to maintain daily communication. Computer programs that allow voice messaging and digital photo-sharing cameras in an environment improve commerce and are the next best thing to be there
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