Becoming GrandMa

As I was raising my children, I would occasionally hear someone talking about being with their grandkids. One of the things they always said was that they could love on their grandchildren, wear them out and send them home. Then with a gleam in their eye, they would ask, "Want to see my Grandchildren?"

I was a hands on Mom. I loved seeing the world through their eyes as they discovered new things. I went skating with them and encouraged them to pound nails into wood, dig holes, paint, etc. In addition, I homeschooled them for part of their school years so I was pretty close with what they were doing. I really didn't understand the "send them home part of the "grandparent mantra."

Time has passed and my children each have little ones of their own. My daughter and her husband lived with us for a year after their son was born. He was not an easy baby and I was glad to be able to make suggestions and give them some time to destress over an ice cream as I watched Joel. Then the day came that they found their own place and moved out.

I finally understand what those other grandparents were trying to tell me. I love my children and my grandchildren. Each of them are precious gifts from God and I am a blessed woman. It's not that I can play with the kids and then just send them home or get rid of them when they are no longer fun. It's more that I am ready to do some of those things that I wanted to do when my own children were small.

I've learned that I have a knack for writing and that I enjoy creating Squidoo Lenses and writing articles. I can't do that when the little ones are demanding attention, but I have plenty of time after they go home. I've also found that doors have opened for me to encourage people who have become discouraged in church. Somehow, over the years, I have received a grace to help sooth my brothers and sisters and reignite their passion for the pursuit of God.

Grandchildren are God's gift. I get to experience the wide eyed wonder of youth as I explore my own new paths. Life is good as a grandparent. :0)

When you are young and raising your children, your days are filled with balancing the family schedule and earning a living. For most Grandparents, things settle down a little and they have time to think about family events.

My husband is the one in our family who has traced our roots and preserved the family stories. He knows that even though our children might not be ready to sit down with it now, the day will come when they will appreciate it.

Sometimes the same thing is true of a family's spiritual roots. I remember my Mother praying before she went to bed. There were six of us kids and I am sure we gave her a lot to pray about. I believe it is to her credit that we grew up to become responsible citizens who love God and our families.

Now it's my time to leave an example for the next generation. It can sometimes be as simple as the Christmas Creche I always keep within the reach of our youngest guests. Having something that they can handle and ask questions about opens doors to sharing our beliefs.

It can also be a Squidoo lens about a precious moment in our grandchildren's lives. You think you will remember but things happen and before you know it, those childhood memories get buried. If you haven't considered it before, visit my Sogs lens and then make one for your kids. You will be glad you did.

Nothing stays the same and that includes childrearing. Don't expect your son or daughter to do things like you did.

You put yours to sleep on their tummy. They insist on putting theirs on his back. Maybe you gave yours a bottle and they insist on breastfeeding. My babies spent a lot of time in tshirts and diapers. My grandkids do great in onesies. In this case, the change is definitely for the better.

There are often reasons for changes in techniques. Rather than getting upset and taking it personal, use the changes as a chance to listen to your child. It's ok to let them be the expert this time around. I have found that if you are truly interested and listen to them, they will be much more open to your suggestions when problems arise and they don't know what to do.

Advice aside, our latest grandparent adventure has to do with sogs.