Being a "Good" Grandparent

Luba · 07-29-2006, 08:21 AM

I try not to think about how much I miss my children and grandchildren who live so far away...and I can't get away to see them as much as I'd love to do, but with a full-time job, going to see them as much as I'd like to do just isn't possible...

I know that if I allowed myself to think about it every day, I would be in tears all the time, like I am right now...

So...I looked up on the Internet what I could do to be a better long-distance grandparent and stay close to my beautiful granddaughters...here's what I've found for grandparents in the same boat as me...

from fifty-five plus:

E-mail allows you to stay connected. Send the kids a note, a joke or a card before you go to bed and they'll wake up to a message that says "I love you." By communicating this way, not only do their keyboarding, social, communication and technological skills improve, the youngsters learn about sharing, caring, and knowing they are grand people because grandparents tell them they are important.

Be creative. Type a letter one day, send a card the next. Share a fun recipe appropriate for kids. Pick a day to send a joke or a cartoon. They'll look forward to that day, each and every week. Kids love routines.

Share your interests. If you both love reading or crafts, talk about it. Explore Cyberspace together. Discuss sports that you have in common. Check out websites of your favourite teams.

Make plans. Plan your next "real time" together if it's six months or a year in advance. Compile a Top Ten 'to do' list together. Plan a 'pretend' trip to a destination you'd both love to visit some day. Who knows?

Show you care. Ask what's new. When the news seems a bit tearful-sibling rivalry, a disappointing report card or performance--be respectful. Be positive and supportive. Share your own experience with a sence of humour. E-mail gives you time to choose your words. Be available, with an open "cyberear."

Once upon a time...Start a story, via e-mail, and take turns adding to the plot. Send it back and forth. Kids who are learning to write creatively will really enjoy it. If it's possible, let your grandchild take the lead.

Play online, interactive games together such as checkers, card games and more.

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I LOVE these ideas...can hardly wait to pass some of these by Dwoing!

Merika · 07-30-2006, 10:36 PM

Those are WONDERFUL ideas Luba! I know it bothers me that I don't live as close as the 'other Grandma' and feel like I'm missing out on parts of my granddaughter's life. As she gets older, I will for sure incorporate some of these things.

I know my mom sends Chloe notes and cards all the time....but then they turn into teenagers and stay busy with their own friends. So, start a couple of these ideas real fast!

orianna · 09-22-2006, 07:06 PM

Luba i think you sound like a wonderful grandparent even though there are miles between,some grandparents live close and never even bother.Its the love you give,not where you live.

Luba · 09-22-2006, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orianna

Luba i think you sound like a wonderful grandparent even though there are miles between,some grandparents live close and never even bother.Its the love you give,not where you live.

Thank you, orianna, that was SO kind!!! Yes, I truly dote and cherish those little girls, though Duke's daughter isn't little anymore! I love and cherish my sons as well; I am so grateful to be their Mom!!!

Duke · 09-22-2006, 10:16 PM

My daughter is certainly a young lady now with huge personality. It's amazing how much we learn from our children but what's even more amazing is that we went through life oblivious to those life lessons. I firmly believe that the eyes of a child are a direct window to the soul so nurture them as much as possible and be sure to listen to what they have to say because it is the most pure honesty any adult will ever see.

BTW, I can say without the shadow of a doubt that Luba is a fantastic grandmother and I know that my daughter loves and respects her. There may be miles between your bodies but I don't believe theres miles between your hearts.

orianna · 09-23-2006, 02:34 AM

how true,wht wonderful thoughts.

Luba · 09-23-2006, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke

My daughter is certainly a young lady now with huge personality. It's amazing how much we learn from our children but what's even more amazing is that we went through life oblivious to those life lessons. I firmly believe that the eyes of a child are a direct window to the soul so nurture them as much as possible and be sure to listen to what they have to say because it is the most pure honesty any adult will ever see.

BTW, I can say without the shadow of a doubt that Luba is a fantastic grandmother and I know that my daughter loves and respects her. There may be miles between your bodies but I don't believe theres miles between your hearts.

Thank you, Duke, for that wonderful post!!! It lifted my heart!! I am SO grateful!!!

TKDLady · 09-23-2006, 05:26 PM

Man, even I am in tears!!

Star · 09-23-2006, 06:48 PM

that was beautiful duke. that touched my heart as well.

I'm lucky that i have my 2 beautiful grandbabies close to me so i see them regularly. i'm so grateful for that because i know that i would miss them terribly if they lived far. I absolutely LOVE being a grandma, even if i am a little young to be one.

Weiser · 09-24-2006, 02:45 AM

it might be teh teaila / jarger shots or tis post....but i heva think i meight be sick now.