Better Grandparent than parent

[Stone]

If anyone in the world could win an award for the Greatest Grandpa it would be my father.. He is so wonderful to my son, I'm so lucky he helps us.

But growing up he wasnt such a good father.. I wonder why things have changed. Do you think this is common? He is losing his eye sight maby he doesn't take anything for granted anymore. But when I see my own father with my son I can't help to think" I wish I had a Dad like that" and he IS my dad..... Strange.

He can't work anymore due to his lose of sight so he sits home and plays Mr. Mom he cooks, cleans and babysits for my son.... this is NOT the same man I grew up with.

[Fayebelle]

Age mellows everyone. Plus - he has fewer stressors now. Did you have any siblings? Maybe it's b/c he can focus on just Noah as opposed to dividing attention. Plus if Noah turns into a terror he can push him off on Mommy

[Merika]

I don't know WHAT causes that special bond between grandparents and grandchildren....but it sure seems to be wonderful.

Just wait till I get MY grandbaby....my kids are going to wish I treated them like that too!

[Star]

My parents are awesome grandparents too with my kids. They are especially closely bonded with Krystal and now erika. Krystal was their first grandchild and now erika is their first great-grandchild. That's really special! But, they never show that to the others which is very important.

Being a gramma now myself and very proud to be one I might add , I can tell you that I am more patient with erika then i was with my own kids when they were babies. I think it's because i'm older (and duke, this is not a gateway for you to comment on :P ) and patience comes with age. The fact that I hand her over to krystal helps too. I'm not doing it all by myself which i think plays a huge factor on the being an awesome grandparent comes in.

[Merika]

HAHA Star....maybe a grandparent can rest in the fact that by the time the kid grows up and starts messing up.....they'll be too old and senile to care. Therefore, they can just enjoy the present day.

[Duke]

I think some grandparents use it as a second chance to make up for all of their shortcomings as parents.

[Star]

Originally Posted by Duke

I think some grandparents use it as a second chance to make up for all of their shortcomings as parents.

I think you're probably right. I know myself when I found out that Krystal was pregnant (she told me as soon as she found out), i thought that this would be my second chance sort of speak if Krystal wouldn't of smartened up. I thought if i couldn't have her at home, at least i'd have her baby. It would be having part of krystal.

but as it turns out, she's here too so that's not the case. I'm just an awesome gramma! :wink:

[GuitarHurricane]

But growing up he wasnt such a good father.. I wonder why things have changed. Do you think this is common?

Yes, it's very common.

Sometimes it's making up for inadequacies, as Duke mentioned--but you have to recognize that it's a lot easier to be a grandparent. You have more time on your hands, plus you have more of a positive role--you never have to do the 'dirty work'.

[Duke]

Not to mention that grandkids actually don't tire of seeing you until their older. Many grandparents have been without kids in their lives for many years and miss the interaction.

[Merika]

When I become a grandparent, the first of June, I will always have gifts and stuff for her (it's a girl) when she comes to vist so she will think I am the most wonderful person in the world. I will spoil her all the days of her life!!!

[Duke]

Typical granny.

[Merika]

Yeppers....that's why Grandkids love going to their Grandparents. It's like going to Santa's.....with no elves. LOL!

[Duke]

Just make sure to properly keep your food. I loved my grandparents dearly as did my brother but most of their food was stale.

[Star]

What I find really cool having Erika here is that I won't miss her first word or first step or first anything! I love that part!

[Duke]

You have a great talent for seeing the postitives star.