What Kind of Grandparent Do You Want To Be?

Prior to becoming a grandmother for the first time, I gave serious consideration as to what kind of grandmother I wanted to be. Having had three living grandparents in my life from birth to my early twenties, I was exposed to three very different grandparenting styles, and to be honest, a couple of the styles weren’t always that admirable. So with a mind shaped by 23 years experience of being a grandchild and a total of 43 years life experience, I sat down and created a list of grandmotherly traits that would suit my personality and encourage healthy, loving relationships with my grandchildren. My list is small thus far as the girls are still very young, but it’s been a good foundation to work from. I’m certain my list of traits will be a work in progress for many years to come.

*  I will not be the grandmother who always has a “surprise” in their purse each time they visit. Gift giving will be saved for birthdays, holidays, and the occasional special event. (I want them to want me, not things.)

*  I will teach my grandchildren to garden and, more importantly, to have respect for nature and all its wild critters.

*  I will invest in the futures of my grandchildren by purchasing savings bonds (or stock) monthly for each child. (The stacks of bonds are growing fast.)

*  I will babysit one day a week to help reduce child care costs. (In retirement I will gladly up the babysitting a day or two.)

*  I will paint, write, color, play in the dirt– just about anything creative– I will do it with my grandchildren.

*  I will enjoy seeing the smattering of toys throughout my house, and I will refrain from tidying up until after the grandchildren leave. (I’ve found that I struggle most with this trait.)

*  I will act in a supporting role, providing only the help and advice that’s sought by my children.

*  And I will love unconditionally . . .

What kind of grandparent do you want to be? 

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Tammy Embrich -- Full time work from home, writer, blogger, YouTube content creator, and LOVES playing with makeup. She is the proud grandmother of 2 wonderful grand blessings. You can visit Tammy at MakeUp Products Online .
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Tammy

Tammy Embrich -- Full time work from home, writer, blogger, YouTube content creator, and LOVES playing with makeup. She is the proud grandmother of 2 wonderful grand blessings. You can visit Tammy at <a href="https://www.makeupproductsonline.com"><strong>MakeUp Products Online </strong></a>.

2 thoughts on “What Kind of Grandparent Do You Want To Be?

  1. Hey KJ,

    Thanks so much for sharing this with us. 😀

    I enjoyed reading it. I especially liked the first one you listed…

    * ( I will not be the grandmother who always has a "surprise" in their purse each time they visit. Gift giving will be saved for birthdays, holidays, and the occasional special event. (I want them to want me, not things.)

    I have to agree with you here the most…I like all the points you've brought across, but this one I think is important.

    You can't buy love! I do see a lot of this. I think it's important for Grandparents to give of themselves to their grandchildren, not material things.

    Excellent post, thanks again! =)

  2. Hey I forgot to add here…

    I will be the kind of grandmother that consistently reminds their grandchildren of their great grandparents, and their qualities and characteristics. I believe strongly about family roots. 🙂

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