Do you want to be a good or even the best grandmother your grandkids could ever have? Well, being dearly loved by the children of your children is one of the best feelings in the world. It is motherhood made sweeter the second time around.
To help you become the coolest grandma in town, here are some simple ways:
1. Spend time with your grandkids.
Time is the most valuable gift you can give to your grandkids. The more you bond with them, the more that your relationship will become closer. This is the best way to have access to the lives of these children. For this reason, visit them always, take them on a date, or have them at home for the entire summer break.
2. Help take care of them.
Not only will your children and in-laws appreciate your help, but your grandkids will surely love having you around. Take this as an opportunity to spend time with them, serve them, and influence their moral values and character.
3. Don’t show favoritism.
Playing favorites would keep the rest of your grandchildren distant from you. Treating children unfairly may also affect their self-esteem because it would make them wonder why they couldn’t be your favorites instead. Favoritism will result in jealousy and competition among the kids.
4. Remember their birthdays.
Your grandchildren will surely appreciate it whenever you remember their special day. Aside from greeting them, you can do simple things to celebrate the occasion, like cooking them a special meal, creating a personalized card, or giving them a present.
5. Cook their favorite foods.
One of the ways to spoil grandchildren is through their stomachs. Therefore, find out what their favorite dishes are and cook for them.
6. Give them special presents.
Aside from the gifts you give them on their birthdays, you can give your grandchildren some special gifts at random times. For instance, you can hand them your favorite necklace or ring and explain their significance to you.
7. Don’t force your ways on them.
Admit the fact that your grandchildren belong to the present generation, which is very different from yours. The generation gap means they have different likes, styles, and principles from you. If you try to change them to conform to the culture you grew with, you would end up disliked by your precious grandkids.
8. Respect their decisions.
Even if they are still young, your grandchildren have minds of their own already. Help them to learn independence and self-reliance by allowing them to decide on their own. Don’t be overprotective, worrying they might choose wrong. Allow them to grow by learning from mistakes.
ALSO READ: 7 Ways to be Considerate of Others
9. Express your affection.
Your “I love you”, hugs, and kisses will be a big help to make your grandchildren feel secure. Letting them know that they are loved will improve their self-esteem. Expect that they will be expressive to you in return.
10. Go on morning walks with them.
As you age, you need more exercise and physical activities. If you live with your grandkids, or if they live nearby, invite them to join you in your morning jogs and walks. This will not only help them develop an exercise habit, but this can serve as a good bonding too.
11. Join them in their hobbies.
One of the ways to be a cool grandma is by joining your grandkids in their interests. If they love watching movies, then you can prepare popcorns and join them in a movie marathon. If they are bookworms, then you can exchange books with them.
12. Don’t baby them.
Yes, they will forever be your babies, but sadly they want to be treated as grownups. If you keep being overprotective of them, like not letting them join camps or sleepovers, then they would think of you as a villain in their lives.
13. Correct their mistakes.
As a grandparent, one of your roles is being a guidance counselor to your grandchildren. Therefore, do not tolerate their mischiefs or mistakes. You can talk to them about it or work together with their parents to deal with their misbehaviors.
14. Leave discipline to parents.
In connection with no. 13, never forget that it is not your primary task to give any disciplinary action to your misbehaving grandkids, unless you are their guardian, or their parents gave you that authority. Being quick in giving punishments might conflict with how their parents would want to discipline their kids.
15. Respect how their parents raise them.
Your children and in-laws have their own sets of principles when it comes to raising their kids. Even if there are certain ways you don’t agree with, you still have to respect their parenting styles. No need to worry because as parents, they are surely thinking about what is best for their children. Of course, you may give suggestions, but don’t impose them.
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16. Tell them your stories.
Another way to be a good grandparent is by inspiring them with your life stories. Aside from allowing them to learn from your experiences, they would also enjoy the time travel to your younger days’ adventures.
17. Listen to them.
It would also be worthwhile to listen to your grandchildren’s stories. Also, allow them to share their thoughts with you. Doing so will help you know them better, making it easier for you to understand them.
18. Create memories together.
Admit it, you won’t be forever around your children and grandchildren. Therefore, savor each moment you are with them. Bond as much as possible. Take pictures together. Go on adventures with them while you can. Tell them you love them.
19. Pray for them.
Nothing beats prayer. The best that you can do for your grandchildren is to entrust them to God’s guidance and protection. You may not be there for them always, but God will surely be with them.
The secret to being a good grandma is simple—you just have to love your grandkids like your own children. Your motherly love will naturally bring out the kind of affection that every child needs to help them grow emotionally healthy.
ALSO READ: 15 Ways to be a Good Grandparent
