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How to Be an Awesome Grandparent

Grandmother teaching her granddaughter how to read

Being a grandparent can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. It’s a chance to share your affection, and to pass on your wisdom and life experiences with younger generations. Here, four ways to be the best grandparent you can be.

  1. Be Consistent. Children thrive when they have routines and people they can depend on. Build trust and a solid relationship with your grandkids by making a point of scheduling get-togethers regularly, whether it’s a family dinner or a one-on-one excursion to the park. Be sure to stay in contact in-between visits via the method the kids are most comfortable, whether that’s a phone call, text message or even social media.
  2. Set Boundaries. Grandparents often love spoiling their grandkids and find it hard to say “no” to anything that involves them. But it’s important to be clear with parents about how often you will be available to babysit, or spend time with the children, and even how much money you will spend on them. This up-front honesty can help prevent “grandparent burnout”.
  3. Be Sensitive About the Other Grandparents. Though it can be tempting to compare how much time you get to spend with your grandkids and/or the price tag attached to the gifts you give them, remember that children have an enormous amount of love to share – enough for both sets of grandparents! There’s no need to compete.
  4. Take Care of Yourself. As Oprah says, you must “keep your cup full” in order to fully give your time, energy and love anyone else. That means eating healthfully, exercising regularly and taking time to do the things you love on your own so that you are happy and energetic when you spend time with your grandkids!