Archives for March 2015

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on establishing grandparent boundaries.  These grandparent tips will help establish a respectful relationship with your children and grandcildren.  I’ve been a proud grandmother for 13 years.

Most importantly, I see my role as their Mawmaw just as important as my daughter’s. First, I want the best for my grandchildren just like my daughter and son-in-law.  So, today I’m offering tips on how you can grandparent successfully too.

As grandparents we have an obligation to ensure our grandchildren are healthy, nourished, clothed, educated, have a roof over their heads, and they enjoy life.  It’s important that we, as grandparents, create memories of them spending time with us as well.  How many children do you know that protest going to visit their grandparents?  There’s a reason for that, and that’s why we have the title “Grand”.

It’s a special relationship, one that differs somewhat from raising our sons and daughters.  We have more experience in the parenting field, know the history of the family, and most times are in a better financial position than we were when we were raising our children.  My daughter and son-in-law depend on me to assist in the upbringing of their children.  But, they made it clear that they are the parents and I need to abide by their rules and wishes.  Establishing grandparent boundaries is simple, just have a conversation  and talk about expectations.

Next, accepting my daughter’s wishes was a hard hard pill for me to swallow.  However, I knew that I did not want to jeopardize my relationship with my grandchildren or my children  So I swallowed the pill.  There are times when they are being disciplined that I really have to bit my tongue.  But, I have learned to be respectful.  Because I have made a conscious decision to not overstep boundaries, I have been able to build a great relationship with my grandchildren without offending my children by following these grandparent tips.

Here’s a few tips on establishing grandparent boundaries:

• Don’t cross the lines –  Children need to understand the roles of the adults in their life and see that you’re on the same page as mom and dad.
• Establish traditions with your grandchildren –  Each year I take Xavier to the pumpkin patch and make sure he gives Santa his Christmas list.  Zarriah is now old enough to be included in these traditions.
• Create memories that are only available at grandma and granddad’s – I make special pancakes and waffles for their breakfast when they’re visiting.  We have craft time, go out to lunch or dinner, and they love MawMaw’s chicken wings. My daughter does not attempt to duplicate any of these special moments.
• If you’re divorced and I am, demonstrate that you can co-grandparent – So, I ensure my ex-husband, Ga Ga, is involved in activities at my home when they’re visiting.
• Become involved in their school and after school activities – I make an effort to meet teachers, attend school and sporting events etc.  I want to know who’s responsible for their education, who’s providing child care and I want them to know me.
• Keep the children on track – Stay on schedule with bedtimes, bath times, manners and discipline.  You don’t want to cause any setbacks for the parents.
• Be creative – Also, tell them a story about your upbringing or their parents.  My granddaughter loves for me to make up stores about her being a princess and including family members.
• Become the family historian – Talk about other family members and your memories of them.
• Polish your craft skills – Children love making things for parents and grandparents.
• Take your grandchildren on a road trip – Spend a few days at the beach, camping or snow tubing.  They will remember it forever.
• Never discuss conflicting issues in front of the children – If there are disagreements on raising them, discipline concerns etc., discuss them away from the children.
• Keep the lines of communication open – Let your children know that you’re available for advice on parenting or just to listen. My daughter values my opinion on raising the children and life.

My daughter enjoys listening to me tell the children stories and watching us make cookie and brownie treats. She looks forward to me visiting and spending time with the children.  Fortunately, she knows that I respect her as a mother.  In return, she respects me as their grandmother. Many times she wants to participate in the activities as well.  As a result, it’s a great feeling when she calls and asks when I’m coming to visit.

So, my advice to parents is to accept that grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. We’re sugar queens and kings and we become sneaky creatures. Yes, our perspective on things have changed from when we raised you. We can justify anything that our grandchildren do as long as they’re not bringing harm to themselves. Last, our job was to get our children out of the house, however, as grandparents our job is to get the grandchildren in.  Finally, I hope that our tips on establishing grandparent boundaries will be useful.

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