Recollections from a proud grandmother
I am the proud grandmother of a new grandson, Ian Kyle Barnes, born the day after Christmas to my daughter, Ashley, and her husband Adam. What a wonderful gift to receive, and a boost to that after-Christmas letdown we sometimes experience.
Even though I have three children of my own, it was definitely a different experience being in the delivery room from the standpoint of offering encouragement and support.
I am so thankful Ashley and Adam invited me to be at the birth of their son, to share this private experience with them.
While Adam was focusing on the mother?s needs, I, being the photographer I am, took the job of preserving the moment forever by grabbing the camera. It?s easy to get caught up in the moment and the excitement, and I found myself just watching in awe as the doctor and nurses went about doing their job. Let me say, I have a new respect for their profession.
I did get some pretty neat photos and video of the new arrival and his parents. From the look on Ian?s face in his first photos, he just wanted to be left alone in his little world. Sorry, babe, it?s only just begun!
I have often sung the praises of being a grandparent, and judging from the response of my readers, most grandparents agree with me. Becoming a grandparent is such a special time, either for the first time or the 15th time ? they are all special and they fill your heart with a glow and a sense of joy. The little bundle of joy makes three generations, and signifies hope for the future.
Approximately 75 percent of Americans over the age of 65 have grandchildren. Many of them begin their grandparenting role between the ages of 49 and 53. It is not unusual to see grandparents at a much younger age, and today, many grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Most of us are busy with our careers, and have active lives, but realize the important role we can play in grandchildren?s lives.
Most of us want to be ?good? grandparents and have a good relationship with them, but I sometimes wonder how the best way to do that.
One good way is to listen to your grandchildren, but also talk with them. Some tips on developing a good relationship, and communicating effectively, include:
? Get to the point, don?t ramble or repeat yourself. (OK, I?ll try!)
? Keep up-to-date on interesting subjects for them. The latest children?s movies, games and cartoon characters are a start.
? No matter how bad you feel, don?t tell them or talk about health problems.
? Avoid concentrating on I, I, I, or me, me, me.
? Be enthusiastic and excited about what they tell you.
? Do not take away a parent?s right to do their own parenting. We are just the ?grand? parent.
? Discuss discipline with the parents and discipline only when you are in charge.
? Baby-sit only when you want to, feel up to it and are not being inconvenienced.
? Always strive to set a good example for your grandchildren, and for your children.
? Love your grandchildren for what they are, not for what you want them to be.
While researching for the above tips, I came across a new word that suits grandparenting perfectly ? ?grandloving.? This word expresses the unique feeling a grandparent has for their grandchild. It means ?I love you no matter what.? It means a lot to a child to know if he fails a test, breaks something, or loses a ball game, grandparents still love and accept them.