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The Dawning of Grandparenthood
Your Baby Today: New Baby, New Mom: Baby 2000: Millennium Baby
The Dawning of Grandparenthood
By Dana EchoHawk for Your Baby Today
One of the great adventures life has to offer is being a grandparent. A while back my son and daughter-in-law came to see me. He walked up and handed me a pacifier. "What's this for?" I asked in confusion. Then slowly, as my thoughts rushed in on me, the light dawned. "I'm too young to be a grandmother!" But I was thrilled....a grandmother ....think of that!
Through the next months of expectation I thought about becoming a grandmother. I would share this adventure with my son and daughter-in-law, her parents, and my other children who were becoming a first-time aunt and uncle. Becoming a grandparent is both common and yet mysterious. As the "older" side of the family, I could now pass on traditions and stories. I was quick to call my mother and tell her, "Now we will both be grandmothers!"
What was to be expected of me as a grandmother? There are books on parenthood, but not many on grandparenting. A rich and warm balance between generations will give the new baby a sense of security from the first moments of his/her birth. Following are ideas for which the new parents will appreciate you:
- Remember, you are not the parent-- you had your turn. Hold your tongue, listen, and give your support for the parents' decisions.
- It's up to the parents to choose a name. You, however, get to decide what your grandchild will call you.
- Find out in advance how to be most helpful in the days after the birth. Daughter-in-laws may be most comfortable with their mothers helping, or the parents may want time alone with their new baby.
- In the excitement of a new baby, don't forget your children. Buy a present for the proud parents-as well as for your new grandchild.
- When everyone else is cooing and fluttering around the new baby, don't be one more person making demands on the parents. Be the person they can count on.
- And last of all, don't forget to celebrate yourself. After all....now you're a Grandparent!
National Grandparents Day is September 10.
© Studio One Networks
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