A good grandparent is patient, loving
What is your picture of a grandparent? Chances are it may indicate your age.
If you are in the later stages of life, you may remember grandparents who lived in the same town, on a farm nearby, or close enough so that visits to grandparents were frequent. For some of you, Sunday dinners with them were practically the norm and holidays and special occasions were usually held at the home of the grandparent. Some of you may remember having grandparents live in the home with you and who shared responsibilities for your care and rearing. It was a warm and special relationship, as grandmother and grandfather were usually more patient and had more free time to spend with you. You may remember grandparents who were active caregivers and who became your role models.
If you are a baby boomer and have just become a grandparent or are going to be a grandparent soon, you may live across the state or in another state. You could conceivably live in another country. And you may be wondering how you will share in the molding and educating of this child and what kind of grandparent you want to be.
Because being a long distance grandparent is enhanced these days through technology, the means of communicating are endless as you can utilize the telephone, video, E-mail, overnight delivery of packages, etc. Or, you can keep in touch through letters, notes, and photos.
One enterprising grandparent who wanted to be sure that her grandchildren had a picture of every family member prepared a scrapbook with a family tree and kept the photos as current as possible. Another arranged for a telephone call to each child as frequently as possible, and followed this up by using her camcorder to record events that the family would enjoy. If you remember particular activities you enjoyed with your grandparents, repeat them whenever possible. If you remember particular lessons you were taught, teach them to your grandchildren.
Be yourself, become the grandparent that will fit the lifestyle of your family. You may be a Barbara who enjoys reading to the children, or you may be a George who parachutes from a plane. Create your own picture of the grandparent you want to be.
And if you can't get to see your grandchildren as often as you like, you might want to consider "adopting" a young family and spending time with them. Most young parents will appreciate a few hours of your time so that they can have dinner, see a movie, or visit friends. Some mothers will certainly welcome a casserole or salad for dinner. And children like to visit in your home too and have you play a game with them. If you can't be with your own grandchildren, "adopt" some in your own town. Perhaps your children will be lucky enough to find a grandparent in their town. The important thing about grandparenting is the bonding. It reinforces the relationship with your own children and provides new ways to share your love. Grandparents are usually patient, understanding, loving, and caring. For a good reason. Ask any grandparent. Grandchildren really are grand.
