A good grandmother knows how to make her grandchild feel special by teaching them a thing or two about the world.She doesn't overstep her bounds and can provide a different role than the grandchild's parents.The trick to being a good grandmother is bonding with your grandchild and developing a fun-loving, dynamic relationship that involves lots of warmth, care, and love.
Step 1: There is a solid game plan.
It's a good idea to know what to do with your grandchild when they arrive.If you want to go on an outing, you may need to ask for financial help, even before the grandchildren arrive.It is a good idea to check opening times, session times and transportation times to make sure everything is in order.Take some time to rest and relax when you make your plan for the day.If your grandchild gets too tuckered out, you don't want it.If you can, try to do something with your grandkids that their parents wouldn't normally do with them.They can take them to a new part of town or teach them something their parents don't know how to do.This will make your time together even more special.
Step 2: Unplan.
Don't make plans often.It's a good idea to let your grandchild see what you normally do around the house.They will often be interested in helping you and holding fascinating conversations with you.The essence of intergenerational bonding can be found in these times.They might be interested in watching you cook, help out in the garden, or check out your favorite show.Your grandsons will be used to living at your house and interested in how you run it.It will happen naturally if you don't put too much pressure on yourself.If your grandchild gets restless and really wants to do something, it is a good idea to have a back-up activity, such as a movie to watch or a pie to bake.
Step 3: They need to be taught about the world.
Tell your story about what you've seen and done.Don't be afraid to tell the story of the past.In the future, they will see that your past is just as special as theirs and will understand both you and humanity better for sharing how life was when you were younger.Share it with them because you're the best record of what happened.Tell them about your life and experiences.Let them know how much the world has changed since you were a child, what you did for a living, and which skills they will need in a successful life.Take any life lessons you have learned and pass them on.If you don't want to give this information all at once, give it little by little and make sure it sticks.Tell them to ask you questions about your life and past.The conversation shouldn't be one-sided.
Step 4: Let them know about your family history.
If you want your grandchild to have a better sense of who you are, you should tell them about their family history.Show them who is in the family with an album.Don't just point, but make the people come alive by telling anecdotes and memorable stories about each person in your family, so your grandchildren feel invested in them even though they are long gone.You can take it one step further and write it down.It's a good idea to give your children a record of their family.Some younger kids may not be interested in their family history yet.If you can sneak this information into your everyday conversations and activities, they will learn the truth.
Step 5: Have your children teach you something.
It doesn't have to be one-sided with your grandchild.One way to make your grandchild feel special is to educate him or her about what is happening in the world, from the latest trends in music to Facebook.If you are tech savvy, you can ask your grandchildren to tell you what their friends are talking about.They will open up to you if you show a genuine interest in their world.If your kids know that they will have important knowledge to share with you, you will get even more excited to hang out with them.It's important to thank them for teaching you something.Show your gratitude for their help.
Step 6: You should be there for the big moments.
You can make sure that you are there for the important moments in your grandchild's life, from birthdays to elementary school graduations.If you live far away, you should make a point of being there for the important moments when you can.It will be important for your grandsons to remember your presence during those big moments in their lives.Your grandsons will turn to you for support and love.If you would have done things differently, show them how proud you are of them by giving them love and support on their big days.
Step 7: Make time for yourself.
It's important to keep this in mind before your grandchild is born.It's important to set the boundaries at the beginning because you aren't there to provide a constant source of babysitting.Make it clear that you love your children and the grandchildren and that there are plenty of occasions for visits, but also that it is not ok to have the grandchild staying over or being dropped off regularly.You will be able to enjoy the time spent with your grandchild one hundred percent, instead of feeling resentment or exhaustion.You should not assume that you will be the babysitter when the baby is born.You can give them the time you want to spend, but plan for the help you will give in advance instead of being on call.
Step 8: Make a lot of them.
You can't ruin children.You can unintentionally teach them that consuming too much is a bad thing, right?Don't overload them with stuff and teach them good values.Don't smother them with praise.When you see the good that they do, be specific about it.Children are free to be a little more rambunctious when they're with you.They have to be told off by their parents all the time.When you see them, give them a big hug and let them know that you love them and they are safe with you.You should focus on being a source of joy and positivity even if you criticize their behavior occasionally.They already live with a few parents who want to teach them right from wrong, so you shouldn't be too strict.If you allow your grandchild to follow completely different rules in your presence, he or she will be confused about which rules are right.You should praise your grandchildren and let them know how special they are.When you praise them be specific.If the child says "I love how you said thank you to Mrs. James", they won't think about how mean I was to Sally yesterday.Praise will help them build their skills for living.
Step 9: Remember birthdays.
On their birthday, buy them presents that are thoughtful.Sometimes give them what they want, other times put a little surprise in the wrapping paper that they didn't expect.You should be there for them on their big day and let them know how much you love them.Give them a gift and write a card to let them know how much they mean to you.Before giving a grandchild a gift, make sure to check in with the parents.You don't want your gift to be the same as the parents gift.That could make for an awkward birthday.
Step 10: Be friendly.
It is possible to show your love to your grandsons by showering them with affection.Give them hugs and kisses, put your arm around them, play with their hair, or just give them a reassuring touch to show you care.If you are sitting next to them, pat their knee or hand and show your love.As they get older, you should make a point of showering them with love.It is important for you to be a source of love and warmth to your grandchildren so they know that they can come to you when they need comfort.
Step 11: Listen to your kids.
Listen to every word without interruption, and take the time to hear what they have to say.Instead of having them talk while you are cooking or tending to your garden, take the time to hear them out.Make eye contact and let them know how much you care.You don't judge them and take what they say seriously.Your grandkids may tell you things they don't tell their parents.Help them out as best you can, but let them know that their parents should be aware of what they are thinking.When they talk to you, be affectionate.Put an arm around them or put a hand on their knee.
Step 12: Spoil your kids a little.
You had to work on disciplining your children when you were a parent.It's time to relax and have fun with your kids.If your grandkids stay with you for a long period of time, such as a summer vacation, you should make them feel special by giving them treats and even letting them have that extra cookie once in a while.You shouldn't have to lay down the law to get them to come to you for love.They should not be spoiled to the point where their parents are not happy with how much flexibility you are giving them.There is a way to make your grandchild and their parents happy.
Step 13: Unless it is asked for, don't give advice.
Unless you are asked for advice, you will have to keep your mouth shut even if you have raised 15 children successfully.Your child and his or her spouse may have different ideas about how to raise children, and they may not want to hear every little thing you have to say about it.You should not assume that you will tell them how to do every last thing, from changing a diaper to helping their child grow into a responsible adult.If you give the parents too much advice, they may pull back from you, leading to a more tense relationship between you and your grandchild.
Step 14: You should accept your role in your grandchild's life.
You should accept the fact that you are the grandparent and not the parent of the child.Your role is to spend time with your grandchild, give advice and help the parents when needed, and to be there for the new addition to your family.You can enjoy your own unique relationship if you accept that you aren't the grandchild's mother.You should not focus on disciplining your grandchild or teaching him or her how to be an adult.Give love, care, and support.
Step 15: Take care of your own life.
The best thing you can do is to maintain your own life while helping out the parents of the grandchild, because you may think that you should drop everything as soon as your grandson or granddaughter arrives.If you want to succeed as a grandparent, you need to keep having your own friends, hobbies, and social commitments.You will be putting too much pressure on the parents if you drop everything to be with your grandchild.If you can find a way to fit time with your grandchild into your schedule, you won't have to worry about them and their parents.You shouldn't leave your schedule open just in case they need last-minute help.
Step 16: The parents should be helped around the house.
One thing you can do when there is a new addition to your family, or even when your grandchild gets older, is to help the parents out around the house.When you have time, you can wash dishes, pick up groceries, cook meals, and run small errand for the father or mother.It is possible to help out around the house when you have the time, even if you don't have a child.When the parents are overwhelmed by their parenting duties, this can be especially helpful.
Step 17: Give your grandchild's parents time to get to know each other.
Some time alone is what your child's parents need the most.While being around during family activities, celebrations, or trips can give them a helping hand, you can also find some time to be alone with your grandchild or grandchild so that their parents can relax without their usual responsibilities.It can relieve stress and keep the relationship strong.Give mom and dad at least one or two dates a month.It is important for them to spend time together away from their child, even if they deny it.